Course Outline for English 30

Chabot College

Course Outline for English 30

Page 2

Fall 2002

Chabot College Fall 2002

Replaced Fall 2010

Course Outline for English 30

SURVEY OF U.S. LITERATURE

Catalog Description:

30 - Survey of U.S. Literature 3 units

Survey of U.S. literature including poetry, drama, prose fiction, and essays. Explores each work in relation to its social, cultural and historical contexts, and emphasizes the analysis of defining moments of the times as they are reflected in literature. Includes some research. Strongly recommended: English 4 (completed with a grade of C or higher). 3 hours.
[Typical contact hours: 52.5]

Prerequisite Skills:

None

Chabot College

Course Outline for English 30

Page 2

Fall 2002

Expected Outcomes for Students:

Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:

1. demonstrate familiarity with and have developed a critical perspective on the varied achievements in literature by American writers;

2. analyze literary works in relation to their historical, social and cultural contexts with particular attention to identifying unstated premises and hidden assumptions;

3. demonstrate knowledge of the structure of the works studied and analyze their literary components, including plot, character, tone, style, and figurative uses of language (such as metaphor, irony, symbol, paradox);

4. contrast the diversity of the works while comparing their treatment of common themes, especially in response to social and political changes;

5. critically evaluate distinctive eras of American literature, for example, works from the Puritan culture, the Age of Reason, the Romantic rediscovery, the move toward Realism and Naturalism, and the Harlem Renaissance;

6. demonstrate understanding of how literature both reflects and helps create history and culture;

7. write a research paper on a genre, a theme, or a school of thought in American literature.

Course Content:

1. Representative sample of literary works, including but not limited to poetry, drama, prose fiction and nonfiction

2. Readings giving historical, cultural, sociological, and critical contexts for the works studied

3. Media relevant to the historical, social, and critical contexts for the works studied

4. Elements of literature

5. American literary eras

Methods of Presentation:

1. Lecture

2. Large and small group discussion

3. Student presentations

4. Multimedia

5. Guest lectures by writers and critics, when possible

6. Field trips to visit museums, to attend plays, readings, and other performances, when possible


Typical Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

1. Typical Assignments

a. Write a research paper involving a critical analysis of thematic or structural aspects of the works considered

b. Prepare an oral presentation relating course materials to your life and values, which shows your understanding of how the literary vision has contributed to those values

2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress

Achievement of the outcomes of the course will be evaluated by the instructor on the basis of the following, with particular attention to the development of critical analytical skills:

a. Short critical papers

b. One long critical paper or research project

c. Oral presentations

d. Quizzes and exams, including a final examination

e. Participation in small and large group discussion

Textbook(s) (Typical):

The Things They Carried, Tim O'Brien, Penguin Pub., 1990

As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner, Vintage Pub., 1985

Beloved, Toni Morrison, Plume Pub., 1987

Literature: The Human Experience, Abcarian and Klotz, shorter 7th edition, Bedford Pub., 2000

Special Student Materials:

None