LIT 211H - American Literature II

Credit(s): 3

This survey course is designed to give students a broad overview of the evolving canon of influential works produced in American Literature from 1865 to the present. Students will examine a variety of authors including African American, Native American, Asian, and Hispanic writers, and will focus on increasing awareness of how historical, economic, social, and geographical concerns help to mold our unique American identity. (Spring Semester)

Course Learning Outcomes

Identify specific influential works and authors from approximately 1860-the present.
Identify the conventions of literary genres including the short story, poetry, drama, and personal narrative, journalistic essay, and novel.
Demonstrate use of literary theory and terminology when writing and speaking critically about a variety of works. Produce coherently structured and insightful essays displaying an understanding of the works and concepts introduced.
Demonstrate the ability to integrate and document critical sources within a literary analysis using MLA format. Read, discuss and evaluate a variety of texts ranging from the Civil War until the present.
Situate and interpret literary texts in a national context.
Describe the impact of a national literature as it is informed by a historical and cultural perspective.
Write critically about a national literature as it is informed by a historical and cultural perspective.
Examine the nature of human experience and/or artistic expression.