Intendierte Lernergebnisse
After successfully completing this survey, students willhave gained a basic understanding and overview of major developments in U.S. literary historyhave the ability to differentiate major literary genres in terms of their developmentbe able to reflect critically about canon formationhave a sense of the breadth of (ethnic) voices that shape literature in the United Statesbe prepared for the further study of American literature in later classes
Lehrmethodik
Lecture; occasionally short in-class discussion of selected material; final written exam.The course is designed as in-person lecture and will take place on campus (including the final exam).
Inhalt/e
This lecture course introduces students to the literary history of the United States. It provides an overview of the main periods and developments of American literary history from the colonial period to the present day and introduces key concepts and debates in the academic study of these periods and developments. The lectures critically engage with the notion of canon formation and discuss major works (including narrative, drama, poetry) of American literature as well as more marginal(ized) literary voices.
Literatur
Many of the texts discussed in the lectures can be found in The Norton Anthology of American Literature (any edition). All primary texts and relevant literature will be made available via Moodle on a weekly basis.