American Literature Course: High School Essentials

An American Literature course for high school students typically covers a range of classic books and writers that form part of the American literary canon. The course may span from 1750 to the present day, exploring various genres such as prose, poetry, and drama. Students will develop their vocabulary, reading comprehension, and critical thinking skills while engaging with whole-book or whole-work selections. The curriculum often includes study guides, reading assignments, literary analysis, and writing assignments. Teachers may also incorporate Native American oral literature, creation stories, and non-fiction journal pieces to provide a comprehensive understanding of American literature's diverse voices and historical context.

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Native American oral literature

The stories often carry moral lessons and convey practical knowledge about nature, with a focus on themes such as the origin and nature of the physical world, social order, appropriate behavior, and human nature. For instance, the Iroquois constitution, influenced by a vision of cultural ideals of peace, emphasized feminine traits and nurturing while de-emphasizing masculine aggression. It also expressed a sense of stewardship of the earth and optimism for the future.

In conclusion, Native American oral literature is a vital component of American Literature courses in high school as it provides valuable insights into the history, culture, and perspectives of Native American peoples. By studying these oral traditions, students can develop a deeper understanding of the diverse literary landscape of America and appreciate the richness and complexity of Native American storytelling.

Literary movements and historical context

A high school American Literature course typically covers literary movements and their historical context, from the early literary works of Native Americans to contemporary writings. The study of Native American oral literature, including creation stories and myths, is a key component of understanding the roots of American literature. Native American literature, passed down through oral tradition, often explores themes such as the origin of the world, social order, human nature, and the concept of good versus evil, with archetypes like the mother goddess, tricksters, and celestial elements.

The inclusion of diverse voices and contributors to American literature is essential. Students delve into the works of renowned authors such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, Melville, Hemingway, and Poe, analysing their writings within the context of the literary movements of their time. For instance, Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter" (1850) is a seminal work often studied in American literature courses due to its exploration of sin and guilt in the Puritan society of 17th-century New England.

Additionally, students examine the development of the American dream and how it intersects with themes of race, class, and religion. Literary movements such as Romanticism, Realism, and Modernism have shaped the evolution of American literature, reflecting the social, political, and cultural shifts in American history. Students may explore how authors engaged with these movements, challenging societal norms and offering new perspectives on the human condition.

The curriculum aims to provide a well-rounded understanding of American literature by including both classic and contemporary works. While some pieces may be considered dark, they offer valuable insights into the complexities of the human experience. Instructors often balance these with hopeful works, fostering a comprehensive appreciation for the richness and diversity of American literary traditions.

The American dream

Additionally, the unit may incorporate biographical information about authors, such as Edward Albee, to provide context for their works. For example, Albee's early life, which was characterised by affluence and privilege, may offer insights into how his background influenced his perspective on the American Dream.

Teachers can also utilise essays, such as Alfred Ferguson's "Dreams and Goals," to delve into the distinction between dreams and goals and how they relate to the American experience. Furthermore, music can play a role in the unit, with songs like "America the Beautiful" by Katherine Lee Bates and "This Land Is Your Land" by Woody Guthrie offering insights into the spirit of America across different time periods.

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Literary analysis

A typical American literature course in high school may include a mix of novels, short stories, plays, and poems from different literary movements and periods. For example, students might read Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter," a classic novel that explores themes of sin and guilt in Puritan New England. Other commonly studied works include Herman Melville's "Moby Dick," Bartleby the Scrivener," and "Our Town," as well as Ernest Hemingway's "The Red Badge of Courage." These works often deal with complex and "dark" themes, offering valuable insights into the human condition.

Native American literature, with its rich oral tradition, is also an essential component of American literature courses. Students may explore creation stories and origin legends, such as "The Earth on Turtle's Back" by the Onondaga tribe and "When Grizzlies Walked Upright" by the Modoc tribe. These stories provide a unique perspective on the beliefs, social order, and worldview of Native American cultures.

In addition to traditional literary analysis, some courses may incorporate modern American works, such as "Unbroken" by Lauren Hildebrand, and science fiction like "Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card. These selections offer a contemporary perspective and encourage critical discussions about American society and culture.

The literary analysis skills developed in these courses are crucial for students' critical thinking and composition abilities. Students learn to identify themes, analyze characters, and interpret literary devices, enhancing their understanding of the text and its broader implications. This analytical framework can then be applied to other works, encouraging a lifelong appreciation for literature and its power to explore complex ideas and emotions.

Classic American literature

One of the key focuses of classic American literature courses is the exploration of different voices and contributors to American literature. Students are exposed to a diverse range of authors, such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, William Faulkner, and Hemingway, among others. The curriculum often includes novels like "The Scarlet Letter" and "The Sound and the Fury", which delve into themes of sin, guilt, and human nature. Additionally, students may study Southern Gothic literature and Transcendentalism, providing a well-rounded understanding of various literary movements.

Native American oral literature is another important aspect of classic American literature courses. Students read stories from tribes like the Onondaga, Modoc, and Navajo, exploring the rich oral tradition of Native American cultures. These stories often feature archetypes of good vs. evil and provide insights into social order, appropriate behavior, and beliefs about the physical world.

The courses also emphasize the development of writing and composition skills. Students are taught literary terminology and grammar through various writing assignments, such as responses to literature, reflective essays, poetry explications, and persuasive research papers. By coordinating essay types with the dominant writing style of the literary time period, students gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of American literature.

Furthermore, classic American literature courses often encourage students to reflect on the American dream and how different individuals and groups perceive the "other" in terms of race, class, and religion. This critical analysis of societal themes enhances their understanding of the social context within which the literature was created.

While classic American literature is renowned for its dark themes, educators emphasize the importance of including hopeful works in the curriculum to provide a balanced perspective and engage students in exploring complex issues.

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