<p>Early American Literature Spring 2010 Course Outline</p><p>The following is a brief outline of what we will be covering in class this semester. It is only a guide and is subject to change. It is an outline of the topics which will be covered in class, and does not include assignments/tests.</p><p>Essential Question: How have various types of discrimination affected American society throughout time?</p><p>Unit 1-Beginnings How did the treatment of various groups of people in early America affect the way we behave today? -Early philosophies (Puritanism, Rationalism, Deism) -Historical/Background Information -“Of Plymouth Plantation” -“Here Follow Some Verses Upon the Burning of Our House” -“The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano” -Connections to our own society</p><p>Unit 2-Romanticism What is Romanticism and where can it be seen in American Literature? -“Rip Van Winkle” -Romantic Poetry -Gothic Literature: background information -Edgar Allan Poe selection(s)</p><p>Unit 3--The Scarlet Letter How can discrimination affect an individual, and in what ways can it break down a society?</p><p>Unit 4-Realism/Satire What are realism and satire, and what affect do they have on a reader?</p><p>Unit 5-The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn What roles do nature and nurture have in shaping a person? How can a moral dilemma shape a person?</p><p>The above is an outline of the literature we will be covering. Throughout the course, we will also be working with vocabulary and styles and mechanics of writing. We will also complete a research paper, do creative projects, and work on skills of logical argumentation and persuasion, among other things. </p><p>There will be some type of assessment (test, project) for each unit. There will also be small quizzes where needed throughout the course. There will be a midterm examination at the end of Term 1, and a Final Examination at the end of the course.</p><p>Other details will be discussed in class as they become relevant.</p>