American Literature
Assignment Calendar
Course Description
In conjunction with American History, this survey course teaches students to examine the connections between American Literature and the historical era during which it was produced. This course takes shape chronologically, focusing on diverse narrative applications in an array of stylistic, creative, and generic modes. In addition, the course examines the ways in which American writers try to separate themselves from the long-established literary traditions in Europe, and students look closely into cultural, historical, and literary events taking shape in America to better understand shifts in literary conventions. This coordinated study immerses students in the cultural context of various periods in American History. Composition will be emphasized along with the study of literary conventions and criticism. The creation of a uniquely American form of literature will also be examined as students draw comparisons and contrasts with literature studied in the 9th and 10th grade courses. The course stresses vocabulary skills, while specific grammar and usage units enhance writing performance both in class assignments and on the SAT.