ENGL 1730 - Contemporary American Literature

Credit Hours: 3.00
(3 contact hrs)
Reading of American works which are currently influencing and defining thought and art, as a means of introducing stimulating writers and books. Emphasis on discussion and critical analysis.

Prerequisites:
None

OUTCOMES AND OBJECTIVES
Outcome 1:
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to analyze the core elements within a work of contemporary American literature.

Objectives:

Students will assess the quality of literary works through criteria based on core elements.
Within a written report and/or classroom discussion, students will employ core elements such as theme, characterization, plot structure, literary devices, setting, and tone to analyze textual concepts.

Outcome 2:
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the interaction between American history, culture and literature.

Objectives:

Students will identify the historical, cultural, and literary implications of various works of literature.
Within a written report and/or classroom discussion, students will analyze the relationship between historical and cultural contexts of the literature, and of the period.

Outcome 3:
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to explain the function of literary criticism.

Objectives:

Students will analyze and interpret works of literature using literary criticism.
Students will write at least one formal essay using literary criticism.

COMMON DEGREE OUTCOMES
(Bulleted outcomes apply to the course)

The graduate can integrate the knowledge and technological skills necessary to be a successful learner.

The graduate can demonstrate how to think competently.

The graduate can demonstrate how to employ mathematical knowledge.

4. The graduate can demonstrate how to communicate competently.

The graduate is sensitive to issues relating to a diverse, global society.

COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE

Literary elements
1. Theme: Identify important themes.
2. Characterization: Identify methods of characterization.
3. Plot Structure: Identify exposition, conflict, and resolution.
4. Literary Devices: Identify symbolism, metaphor, simile, figures of speech, imagery, and irony.
5. Setting: Identify the historical, geographical and physical setting.
6. Tone: Identify characteristics that develop tone in an American literary work
Historical Framework: Identify and analyze historical references within the text.
Cultural framework: Identify and analyze cultural allusions within the text.
Literary Criticism: Use critical interpretations to identify and evaluate literary elements, historical references, and cultural allusions

Primary Faculty
Young, James
Secondary Faculty
Peller, Scott
Associate Dean
Williams-Chehmani, Angie

Official Course Syllabus - Macomb Community College, 14500 E 12 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48088