Introduction to the literature of America

Course Description

This course explores the literature of America over almost 200 years, from the Colonial period to the Reconstruction era.  It focuses first on the 1620’s when the Puritans started immigrating to the New World. Next, it focuses on the 18th century, the Age of Reason, which culminates in the American Revolution 1775-1783.It also discusses the impact of John Locke and Newton on the writing of this period.  Afterwards, it looks at the 19th century and discusses the impact of ideal philosophy on the thinking of the American Renaissance.  The last stop will be with the Reconstruction era, the Years after the Civil War (1865). The realistic representation of the American scene becomes the new model for American writers.  With this new spirit, authors turned their eyes to the seamy side of the American life.  Throughout this course, attention will be focused on the shifts in public rhetoric. It will be seen how it changes from communion spirit in the 17th century to individualism in late 18th and 19th centuries. Also, attention will be paid to the shift in the concept of individualism from a focus on reason, during the Age of Reason, to a focus on ‘vision’ during the Renaissance.  These monumental changes in American rhetoric resonate with the changes that were forming in American society, religiously and governmentally.

Course Aims

Discuss American literature in its different genres.

1. Analyze the social and political circumstances which affected the thought and traditions of the prominent writers of America and the literary movement.
2. . Discuss the different social, economical and political experiences which exist in the American literature
3. . Explain the characteristics of the American literature and the elements needed to
4. . Analyze American literary works of their own choice and on their own
5. Write research papers in which they analyze a work of their choice.

Learning Outcomes

1.  The nature and variety of literary works relevant to an understanding of the different social, economical and political experiences which exist in the American society.
2. The characteristics of the American literature and the elements needed to analyze
3. different works.
4. Ability to do research on American literary works
5. Ability to analyze American literary works of their own choice, and on their own,
6. using previous knowledge
7. Ability to make sound analogies and analysis of different American literary works.
8. Students can complete both reading and writing assignments in due time.
9. Students can participate in class discussion.
10. Ability to think critically.
11. Ability to learn communicative English.
12.  Knowledge of characteristics of drama as a literary genre as well as a theatrical