History of American Literature (1BA/CHIN) (2022/SL) (Kapis)

15-HLA-CH-11

History of American Literature is a historically-grounded one-semester course designed to survey the main trends and ideas in American literature from the Colonial Period to the beginning of our century. The syllabus is structured chronologically to facilitate a better understanding of both the inner tensions and the continuity of American literary tradition. The reading list covers the most representative literary figures of a given period or movement and is meant to introduce students to the variety of aesthetic practices, genres, themes and works which make up for the formal, thematic and ethnic richness of American literature and culture. The course is also meant to prepare students for further professional and interpersonal development by encouraging their own literary pursuits and interests and making them sensitive to other cultures and traditions. Students will also learn reading, interpretive and critical strategies useful in further research and in teaching.