ENG 2043 - AMERICAN LITERATURE: CIVIL WAR TO 1945

credits: 3.0
This survey of American literature focuses on the period stretching from post-Civil War years to 1945. It offers an opportunity to chart the literary movements that influenced American ideas of national identity. Also consider how writers explored notions of community and justice within an increasingly diverse population and collection of cultures. Will focus on readings from the late nineteenth century and modern periods and consider how writers from a variety of perspectives and movements contribute to the chorus that shapes American literature. Will explore whether, in the end, there is a definable, singular, and national literary tradition. Objectives: Will read from a broad selection of American literary texts and learn to interpret and analyze those texts both as individual literary works and as representative of a cultural/historical period. Will gain experience in writing about literature and culture. Method of Instruction: Discussion and lecture. Method of Evaluation: Midterm, final, and one paper. Meets *WEP Distribution Requirement.