English 231 | American Literature I

ENG 231

The study of American Literature through the following time periods:
Beginnings – 1700, 1700-1820, 1820-1865

Course Information

Course Description

This course covers selected works in American literature from its beginnings to 1865. Emphasis is on historical background, cultural context, and literary analysis of selected prose, poetry, and drama. Upon completion, students should be able to interpret, analyze, and respond to literary works in their historical and cultural contexts. This course has been approved to satisfy the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement for the general education core requirement in humanities/fine arts.

Intended Audience

Second year JCC students and those in need of a 200 level WIC class.

Course Prerequisites

N/A

Course Objectives

1. Discuss the works of major American writers of the period in the context of such literary, historical, cultural, and intellectual movements as Puritanism, the Enlightenment, and Romanticism;
2. Trace the development of specific genres and themes of literature during the period;
3. Analyze literary works for their aesthetic features and thematic patterns;
4. Identify styles, themes, and works of major writers and works;
5. Understand and apply a variety of critical approaches to literature and criticism;
6. Understand critical and popular perception of major works of each period;
7. Communicate critical insights about American literature in writing and orally.

Contact Hours

Course Contact Information

Louie Nenni

English Instructor

(919) 464-2371

lenenni@johnstoncc.edu