American Literature since 1860

This course will survey the writings of the (150 years) in the historical and cultural context of America. The influence of vast social, political, and philosophical changes in America on literary works will be explored. The major literary movements, works, and authors of four distinct time periods will be read and discussed: the late 19th century, the early 20th century, the late 20th century, and the 21st century.

*A Masters degree or higher is required for this course*

Topics and Objectives

Literature of a Changing Nation

• Identify the major authors and works during the time period of 1865-1912.
• Describe the literary movements and trends from 1865-1912.
• Examine how the realism movement impacted literature.
• Identify how political, social, cultural, and philosophical changes in America influenced literature from 1865-1912.
• Identify the impact of mass immigration to America on its literary culture.

Women Writers of the Turn-of-the-Century

• Identify the major works of female authors during the time period of 1865-1912.
• Examine the role of women in literature from 1865-1912.
• Identify how political, social, cultural, and philosophical changes in America impacted female writers from 1865-1912.

Poetry of the Early 20th Century

• Recognize the major authors and works of the early 20th century.
• Examine the importance of poetry in the early 20th century.
• Describe the literary movements and trends of the early 20th century.
• Identify how political, social, cultural, and philosophical issues influenced poetry of the time period.

Contemporary Literature

• Recognize the major authors and literary works in America since 1945.
• Describe contemporary literary movements and trends.
• Identify how political, social, cultural, and philosophical issues influence contemporary literature.

Emergence of Ethnic Literature

• Recognize the major authors and works of ethnic literature.
• Examine the importance of ethnic literature in America.
• Identify how political, social, cultural, and philosophical issues influence ethnic literature.