American Literature will have timelines and skills aligned with either US history or AP US
History depending on the student's social studies selection. The English and history teachers will
collaborate on several units throughout each semester so that all students will benefit from a
shared interdisciplinary experience.
This course will introduce students to the major literary periods in the development of American
Literature. Students will study the characteristics, works, and significant authors of each of the
historical periods, as well as the major philosophical trends that both permeate and transcend
each period in American literary history. Writing assignments, projects, activities and reading
will stimulate critical thinking and self-expression and reinforce grammatical, mechanical, and
vocabulary skills.
Students in US History and American Literature will study literature that explores the cultural
and intellectual experiences of authors, genres, literary impact, and historical influences of the
period of industrial growth after the Civil War to the present.
Students will trace thematic, historical, social, cultural, and philosophical influences
from early American to 20th Century literature. In addition to the analysis of author's use of
literary elements as they contribute to a variety of themes; the application of readings to two
major themes: and the investigation into the shifting of American identity and the American
dream. Students will also write a number of essays and other creative pieces relating to the issues
presented in the course, explore and apply skills and techniques for research papers. Lastly,
students will continue to develop writing skills, particularly in the areas of structure, style,
context, and language conventions.
- Teacher: Rachel Matz