American Literature

Full Year Course; 90 minutes

This class explores literature from the Native Americans to the Post Modern Period (1980). The class will learn to discover elements of style as well as recurring themes in American literature. Activities include discussion, imitation, analysis, essays, oral presentations, projects, and tests. Students will read about 75 pages per week and generally have 2 written assignments per week.

Prerequisite(s): N/A

Text(s):

  • Prentice Hall Literature: American Experience ISBN: 0-13-698614-5 (available at ABE Books – https://www.abebooks.com)
  • American Literature Handbook, by Cindy Herndon
    • The instructor will order a copy for each enrolled student and distribute them at the Parent Meeting the week prior to the first day of class.
  • Books to be read over the summer prior to first class:
    • The Scarlet Letter*, Nathaniel Hawthorne
    • Adventures of Huck Finn*, Mark Twain
    • The Great Gatsby*, F. Scott Fitzgerald

*These books are to be read over the summer for plot. We will reread these books together in class for theme, symbols, and style.

Required Materials:

  • 1.5″ 3-ring binder with tabbed dividers
  • A pocket folder for handouts

Additional Fees:

  •  $20 fee for handbook listed above and consumables

Instructor: Vanessa Jardine

Revised: 18 April 2024