230529 A Survey of American Literature (S) (WiSe 2006/2007)

The purpose of this course is to offer students a broad survey of the origins and major developments of American literature. The overall approach will be chronological and will place the production and reception of texts within specific historical as well as cultural contexts. The structure of the course will be divided into three main sections. Each session will start with a lecture unit and will be followed by group work and subsequent seminar discussion. Group work and seminar discussions will focus on excerpts from literary texts and short texts. While the lecture unit will provide general information on writers, movements and cultural background, group work and seminar discussion will open windows for a more detailed discussion of literary works.

Regular reading will be drawn from The Norton Anthology of American Literature (shorter 6th ed.), edited by Nina Baym, New York; Norton, 2003. All students should have regular access to this anthology. In addition, a short reader with texts to be discussed in class will be made available and should always be brought to the seminar sessions.

Credit for this class can be gained through regular attendance and reading as well as success on the final written exam.