Explore American literature from the first account of the European explorers through the Civil War. Questions of ownership and use accompanied the first European explorations and settlements of America. Who owned the land? What rights of possession could the newcomers claim or the earlier inhabitants assert?
Identify the major genres and authors of America’s early literature.
2. Practice analyzing literary genres (including: poetry, prose, biographical accounts, and historical accounts).
3. Effectively analyze different periods and movements of American literature.
4. Synthesize information and ideas related to American literature before the Civil War.
5. Articulate an original opinion based on the materials read.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of material covered throughout the term
