Maui Community College
Course Outline
1. Alpha & Number:
ENG 250
Course Title:
American Literature
Number of credits:
3
Date of Outline:
March 2004
2. Course Description:
Studies major works of American fiction, non-fiction,
drama, and poetry.
3. Contact Hours/Type:
3 Hours/Lecture
4. Prerequisites:
ENG 100 with at least a C
Corequisites:
Recommended Preparation:
Approved by _______________________________________Date__________________
5. General Course Objectives
Students will read, discuss, analyze, and write about representative works of American fiction,
non-fiction, poetry, and drama.
ENG 250 fulfills three of the 9 credits for the Humanities requirement for A.A. and three of the
12 credits for the Elective requirement for A.S. degree at Maui Community College. This
course also fulfills the requirements for the University of Hawai'i at Manoa General Education,
Diversification, Arts, Humanities, & Literatures (DL).
For detailed information on how ENG 250 focuses on the Maui Community College general
education standards, see the attached curricular grid.
6. Student Learning Outcomes
For assessment purposes, these are linked to #7. Recommended Course Content.
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
a. analyze works of literature using basic concepts and terminology of literary analysis;
b. write with an awareness of purpose and audience, using MLA style documentation when
appropriate;
c. identify, interpret, and discuss themes, metaphors, and symbols in works of literature;
d. support interpretations with examples that demonstrate careful textual analysis;
e. research and organize information from various sources to formulate, develop, and support
ideas in essays and oral presentations;
f. discuss characteristics and developments of American literary movements;
g. revise, edit, and proofread essays for correctness, clarity, and effectiveness.
7. Recommended Course Content and Approximate Time Spent on Each Topic
Linked to # 6. Student Learning Outcomes.
3 – 5 weeks:
American Poetry (a, b, c, d, e, f, g)
3 – 5 weeks:
American Fiction (a, b, c, d, e, f, g)
3 – 5 weeks:
American Drama (a, b, c, d, e, f, g)
3 – 5 weeks:
American Non-fiction (a, b, c, d, e, f, g)
8. Text and Materials, Reference Materials, Auxiliary Materials and Content
Appropriate text(s) and materials will be chosen at the time the course is offered from those
currently available in the field. Examples include:
Text:
The Norton Anthology of American Literature, Sixth Edition by Nina Baym (Editor)
Handbook:
The Writer’s Reference by Diana Hacker
Materials:
Articles, handouts, and other relevant materials provided by the instructor
Others:
Video tapes, audio tapes, guest speakers, Internet sites
9. Recommended Course Requirements and Evaluation
Specific course requirements are at the discretion of the instructor at the time the course is
being offered. Suggested requirements might include, but are not limited to:
50-60%
Writing assignments
10-15%
Quizzes
15-20%
In-class writing
15-20%
Presentations
10. Methods of Instruction
Instructional methods will vary considerably with instructors. Specific methods will be at the
discretion of the instructor teaching the course and might include, but are not limited to:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
class discussions;
guest lecturers;
instructor lectures;
audio, visual, or computer presentations;
student presentations and activities, individual or group;
other learning experiences, such as collaborative, service, and experiential.