In addition, choose ONE of the following texts (but not yet):
Crafts, Hannah. The Bondwoman’s Narrative
Melville, Herman  Typee
Fern, Fanny. Ruth Hall.
Foster, Hannah. The Coquette
Stowe, Harriet Beecher. Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
Wilson, Harriest. Our Nig.

Official Course Description: This survey course examines major writers of the period including Taylor, Edwards, Franklin, Irving, Cooper, Poe, Emerson, Thoreau, Hawthorne, Melville, Whitman and Dickinson.

Unofficial course description: In this class we will read, discuss, and write about American literature and culture from before the earliest colonizers and settlers until the Civil War, roughly 1400 to 1865 (which goes five years beyond the date at the top of this page). In doing so, we’ll examine notions of Puritanism, Reformation, Revolution, Romanticism and much more as we examine the role of literature and the shaping of a nation. In doing so, we’ll be looking at poetry, fiction both short and long, letters and essays to develop some understanding of America’s heritage. We will be exploring a variety of questions, including, but not limited to:

• What is Literature?
• What makes Literature American?
• How is America reflected in her Literature?
• Who are these writers of American Literature?
• Why read Literature? What is the point of all this?

As members of the class, I expect you to completely read all material as assigned prior to listed discussion dates, to have completed journals, to take part in discussions, to write well developed argumentative essays that focus on the readings and topics under discussion and to complete assigned projects. You should budget at least 15 hours a week for the course (10 hours outside of class for reading, writing, and working). We will discuss any relevant topics that come to the fore as a result of reading in this class and you will be allowed similar latitude in your writing. Topics can be personal, historical, political, social, literary, or whatever.

I hope to help you enjoy and understand Literature, provide you will some tools for increased understanding of the literature you read (or at least an idea of where to find material that will help you increase your understanding), and help you to formulate and express your thoughts--written and spoken--concerning Literature. Keep in mind I am not some oracle of Literature. I prefer to explain what people do not understand and to provide background and context for the writings we will read and let you puzzle things out as much as possible. Don't expect me to lecture on and explain what writings "mean." I don't have all the answers to what we will read (assuming such answers exist). This does not mean that a piece of literature means whatever you want it to mean; interpretations need to be based on specific elements and their contexts within the text. However, I have considerable experience reading, studying, interpreting, and criticizing literature. This I will share with you.