ENGL 2720 - American Literature, 1865 to 1920

Credit Hours: 3.00
(3 contact hrs)
This course presents a study of major cultural and literary developments between the end of the Civil War and the end of World War I. We will consider Reconstruction, Western Expansion, industrialization and urban growth, the role of the new immigrants, the “woman question” and how these issues found literary expression in what is commonly referred to as Realism and Naturalism. Authors to be discussed may include Whitman, Dickinson, Twain, Davis, James, Howells, Dreiser, Crane, Norris, Cahan, Dos Passos, Gilman, Chopin, Wharton, Freeman, Jewett, Sinclair, Dunbar, and Chesnutt.

Prerequisites:
Prerequisite: ENGL-1220 or ENGL-1190

OUTCOMES AND OBJECTIVES
Outcome 1: Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the concepts of Realism.

Objectives:

Explain Realism as a literary technique and as a historical construct.
Recognize the continuation of Romantic attitudes and techniques in the works of this period.
Identify and explain the growing international awareness of American writers and the impact of this awareness upon their work.

Outcome 2: Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the concepts of Naturalism.

Objectives:

Explain Naturalism as a literary technique and as a historical construct.
Analyze the increasing concern of some writers with social issues.

Outcome 3: Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to write papers that combine literary analysis with correct standard documentation format.

Objectives:

Shape a controlling idea for each paper, stated in an introduction.
Develop the controlling idea for each paper in a body, using appropriate support and evidence.
Organize each paper appropriately, unifying paragraphs by means of topic sentences, linking paragraphs by a variety of transitions, and arranging the main points effectively.
Summarize the controlling idea of each paper in a conclusion.
Document sources used for each paper according to acceptable standard format.

COMMON DEGREE OUTCOMES
(Bulleted outcomes apply to the course)

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

2. 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.

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

COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE

Realism
1. Early Realism
2. The Gilded Age
3. Regionalism
Naturalism
1. Urban growth and industrialization
2. Immigration

Primary Faculty
Brinker, Ludger
Secondary Faculty
Regan, Mary
Associate Dean
Williams-Chehmani, Angie

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