Course Catalogue

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This course covers the period during which a distinctively US literature could be said to emerge. It moves from addressing the 'American Renaissance' of the 1850s and writings by escaped slaves, to studying the realism and naturalism of the late-19th century, and concludes with readings of key figures from the 1920s.

1 x 1hr lecture and 1 x 1hr seminar per week over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus

OR

1 x 1hr lecture per week over ten weeks and 7 x 90min seminars over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus.

This is one of the Honours options in English Literature and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus.

Available to all students fulfilling requirements for Honours entry into English Literature, and by arrangement to visiting students or students of other Honours programmes who qualify under the University's 25% regulation.

ENGLIT4001  American Literature 1

The standard assessments for this course are:  

■ Either close reading exercise or annotated bibliography (1500 words): 25%  

■ Essay (3000 words): 50%  

■ Seminar contribution: 10%  

■ Group [paired] presentation of 14 minutes: 15% (individual grade) 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available: 

■ There are no alternatives to the exercise, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions).  

■ There are no alternatives to the essay, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

■ Written self-evaluation reflecting on seminar contribution or written response to seminar material in advance or after seminar as alternative to seminar contribution.

■ Recorded presentation or one-to-one presentation / discussion/Q&A with staff (where presentation would normally be in class) as alternative to presentation.

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.  

This course will provide the opportunity to:

■ study leading writers and key texts of United States literature, 1836-1929

■ consider these texts in the light of historical context

■ develop conceptual abilities and capacity for critical analysis

■ argue persuasively and with clarity of expression.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ write knowledgeably on the historical and literary circumstances from which the writing of the American republic emerges

■ analyse and criticise representative American texts of the period

■ make use of relevant secondary criticism, and deploy critical sources with accuracy and clarity

■ use electronic media and internet bibliographical sources intelligently 

■ communicate responses to the material studied on the course both orally and in written form through coherent and sustained argument.

■ Demonstrate resilience and time management through effectively planning, undertaking and submitting coursework.

■ Deal with change and new challenges by applying their disciplinary skills and knowledge to previously unfamiliar research areas and questions.