STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 1.   Discuss a number of American literary works

 2.   Describe the major literary movements in American literature

 3.   Identify and analyze characteristics of the literature which are peculiar to each period

 4.   Describe social, cultural, and historical backgrounds of each period

 5.   Identify and analyze various literary forms, modes, or genres of the works studied

 6.   Recognize and examine various themes of American literature

 7.   Explain general problems of literary criticism

 8.   Analyze the limitations and responsibilities of individualism, as well as the role of dual creativity as a social force

 9.   Articulate the manner in which masters of American literature capture and express the human spirit

 

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I.       Introduction to American Literature: Identifying and defining the major American literary periods from pre-colonialism to the Civil War.

 II.      Thematic and Topical Approaches to Literature: Reading, identifying and analyzing various literary forms, themes, modes, and genres.

 III.     Individual Works and Writers: Assessing the influence of individual works and the accomplishments of individual writers.

 IV.   Technical Elements of Literature: Analyzing the techniques of fiction, autobiography, poetry, drama, and historical writing.

 IV.   Personal Responses to Literature: Defining the personal value and functions of literature.