This course assesses the changing shape of American literature after 1930, considering the construction of a modern American literary canon and the extent to which that canon has been challenged by the emergence of ethnic literatures and writings by women.

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.

ENGLIT4002  American Literature 2

None

The standard assessments for this course are: 

■ Essay (1000 words): 25%  

■ Essay (3000 words): 50%  

■ Seminar contribution: 10%  

■ Seminar presentation of 7 minutes: 15% 

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 Essay (1000 words), but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

■ There are no alternatives to the Essay (3000 words), 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 seminar presentation.

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

This course aims to:

■ encourage a breadth of reading across several genres in post-1930 American literature

■ develop students' understanding of literary texts within relevant social, cultural, technological, and historical contexts 

■ facilitate study and discussion of relevant secondary materials related to the period's key critical terms and concepts 

■ empower students to select individual areas of specialized enquiry within post-1930 American literature.

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

■ identify and discuss a range of literary genres and movements specific to post-1930 American literature

■ articulate an understanding of the complex relationship between American literature and its contexts

■ analyze the period's literature making informed reference to current issues and relevant critical concepts

■ 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.