Chabot College
Fall 2002
Replaced Fall 2010
Course Outline for English 30
SURVEY OF U.S. LITERATURE
Catalog Description:
30 - Survey of U.S. Literature
3 units
Survey of U.S. literature including poetry, drama, prose fiction, and essays. Explores each work in
relation to its social, cultural and historical contexts, and emphasizes the analysis of defining moments of
the times as they are reflected in literature. Includes some research. Strongly recommended: English 4
(completed with a grade of C or higher). 3 hours.
[Typical contact hours: 52.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
1. demonstrate familiarity with and have developed a critical perspective on the varied achievements in
literature by American writers;
2. analyze literary works in relation to their historical, social and cultural contexts with particular
attention to identifying unstated premises and hidden assumptions;
3. demonstrate knowledge of the structure of the works studied and analyze their literary components,
including plot, character, tone, style, and figurative uses of language (such as metaphor, irony,
symbol, paradox);
4. contrast the diversity of the works while comparing their treatment of common themes, especially in
response to social and political changes;
5. critically evaluate distinctive eras of American literature, for example, works from the Puritan culture,
the Age of Reason, the Romantic rediscovery, the move toward Realism and Naturalism, and the
Harlem Renaissance;
6. demonstrate understanding of how literature both reflects and helps create history and culture;
7. write a research paper on a genre, a theme, or a school of thought in American literature.
Course Content:
1. Representative sample of literary works, including but not limited to poetry, drama, prose fiction
and nonfiction
2. Readings giving historical, cultural, sociological, and critical contexts for the works studied
3. Media relevant to the historical, social, and critical contexts for the works studied
4. Elements of literature
5. American literary eras
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Lecture
Large and small group discussion
Student presentations
Multimedia
Guest lectures by writers and critics, when possible
Field trips to visit museums, to attend plays, readings, and other performances, when possible
Chabot College
Course Outline for English 30
Page 2
Fall 2002
Typical Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. Write a research paper involving a critical analysis of thematic or structural aspects of the works considered
b. Prepare an oral presentation relating course materials to your life and values, which shows your
understanding of how the literary vision has contributed to those values
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
Achievement of the outcomes of the course will be evaluated by the instructor on the basis of the
following, with particular attention to the development of critical analytical skills:
a. Short critical papers
b. One long critical paper or research project
c. Oral presentations
d. Quizzes and exams, including a final examination
e. Participation in small and large group discussion
Textbook(s) (Typical):
The Things They Carried, Tim O'Brien, Penguin Pub., 1990
As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner, Vintage Pub., 1985
Beloved, Toni Morrison, Plume Pub., 1987
Literature: The Human Experience, Abcarian and Klotz, shorter 7th edition, Bedford Pub., 2000
Special Student Materials:
None
dk 10/31/01
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