ENG 240 - American Literature to 1865

1. Characteristic elements and examples of literary texts and genres (themes, structure, style, types and analysis) 
2. Factors that affect critical reading and response: issues of translation, ethnocentrism, gender, and bias/prejudice 
3. The historical, religious, geographical, cultural, ethnic, race and gender contexts for the study of American literature before 1865 
4. Conceptual frameworks applied to American literature from 1865 to present: definitions of culture, gender, race and ethnicity; literary terminology; aesthetic movements such as Romanticism, Trancendentalism and the literature of abolition 
5. Information literacy skills related to independent research 

1. Classify, analyze and compare representative works of American literature from before 1865 within thematic, cultural and aesthetic frameworks. (1)
2. Analyze cultural, linguistic, historical and other factors that influence perspectives on American literature before 1865, including attitudes about race, gender and ethnicity. (2) 
3. Evaluate the role of literature in illuminating, challenging and/or perpetuating prejudice and social inequalities. (3) 
4. Explain and apply key terms and concepts related to literature and cultural diversity. (4) 
5. Employ tools of scholarship on issues of race, ethnicity and gender to American literature from before 1865. (5) 

1. Demonstrate thoughtful and precise writing skills by completing at least 2,500 words of monitored writing.