American Literature and Culture 1: 1830-1940
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| AMCS1005 | American and Canadian Studies | 1 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- AMCS1005
- School
- American and Canadian Studies
- Level
- 1
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
This is an introductory survey of major American literature and culture. It explores a wide range of nineteenth century and early twentieth century American writers of fiction and poetry. The module addresses those questions about the nature of the American ‘canon’ raised by successive generations of critics. It will also explore related developments in visual culture and music. It is seen as a `core' module, which will give the grounding for further study of American literature and culture.
Target Students
Available to Year 1 SH and JH American and Canadian Studies students and Liberal Arts students.
Classes
- One 1-hour lecture per week for 11 weeks
- One 2-hour seminar per week for 11 weeks
The School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies operates an attendance policy. The details of this policy can be found in the student handbook on Workspace and in module handbooks.
Assessment
- 30% Coursework 1: Coursework 1 - Close reading of text(s) - 1,000-1,250 words
- 50% Coursework 2: Coursework 2 - (critical essay) - 1,800 - 2,000 words
- 20% Participation: Participation - (seminar participation)
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
To provide students beginning their American Studies degree and students from other disciplines who have an interest in American literature with an introduction to the foundations of American literature, and give some sense of its range. To introduce students to ways of dealing with such material critically, using both textual and contextual approaches.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding of:
• Major literary and cultural forms of the period 1830-1940
• Underlying forces shaping American literature and culture from 1830-1940
Intellectual Skills:
• The ability to analyse literary and other cultural texts
• The ability to relate literary and other cultural texts to their larger historical context
• The ability to build a compelling and textually-based argument
Professional and Transferable Skills:
• Reflecting on and using feedback on written work
• Development of professional written and oral communication skills
• Development of ability to work and co-ordinate with others