School of English - AUTh

Description

The aim of this survey course is to introduce students to a variety of works written by diverse authors who are recognized as contributors to the American literary tradition. It covers the period from the discovery of the “New World” to its colonization, to the American Revolution and foundation of the United States, to the end of the 19th century, and the transformation of the US from an agricultural to an industrial and urban nation. The course will familiarize students with selected writings by early European explorers, by Anglo settlers, by Puritan historians, by the political Founders of the American nation, by major philosophers and fiction writers, taking into consideration the historical, socio-political and cultural context in which these works were written. The course will also expose students to the main principles and ideology of Puritanism, the movements of Transcendentalism, Romanticism, Realism and Naturalism.  Learning outcomes and competences:

• Adequate knowledge of the major historical events from colonial times to the end of the 19th century
• Familiarization with important writings by major authors of the early American literary canon
• Good understanding of the influence of Puritanism and Transcendentalism on the American mindset
• Good understanding of the main principles of Romanticism, Realism and Naturalism

Assessment: Final exam.

Teaching

Course files

Course Outline