The Making of America: American Literature to 1865

DESCRIPTION:
Development of contextual understanding of American literature and culture from the Puritans to the Romantics. Textual analysis of a range of American literature.

RATIONALE: 
This course introduces students both to a range of American literature from the colonial period to the nineteenth century and to the skills needed to analyze and critique American literature in its historical context. It focuses on the role of literature in dramatizing and debating the myths and realities of American experience. Simultaneously it investigates the relationship between literature and society, while also paying attention to literary genre.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: 
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Demonstrate awareness of historical, political, literary and cultural issues of the period;
2. Relate literary texts to appropriate historical, political and cultural contexts;
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the literature of the period in its various types and genres;
4. Display an understanding of significant kinds of connection and difference between texts;
5. Formulate close reading of the texts.

METHOD OF TEACHING AND LEARNING:
In congruence with the teaching and learning strategy of the college, the following tools are used:
• Lectures, class discussions, workshop-style pair work and group work during class meetings;
• Formative exercises and online learning tasks through the Blackboard online tools designed to help students acquire confidence and benefit from independent study;
• Additional print and audio-visual educational material posted on the Blackboard course template;
• Timely instructor feedback on assignments;
• Other relevant educational material placed on reserve in the library;
• Individualized assistance during office hours for further discussion of lecture material, additional reading, assignments and examinations;
• Close collaboration with the Library and SASS to encourage students’ effective use of academic support services.