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Academic Year 2003/2004
American Literature and Politics in the 1850s
ENGL 259 FA
The course examines the relationship between literature and political expression during the decade of political controversy leading up to the Civil War. We will read political speeches and works of social analysis from
the period, as well as fiction and poetry. Students will also do research on newspapers and magazines, using the microform resources of Olin Library.
MAJOR READINGS
Major readings include: Potter, IMPENDING CONFLICT Reynolds, BENEATH THE AMERICAN RENAISSANCE; Compromise of 1850 (casebook); Lincoln-Douglas Debates Hawthorne, SCARLET LETTER Melville, MOBY-DICK & BENITO CERENO
Stowe, UNCLE TOM'S CABIN
Eastman, AUNT PHILLIS' CABIN Walker, WAR IN NICARAGUA Whitman, LEAVES OF GRASS Gilpin, MISSION OF THE NORTH AMERICAN PEOPLE Essays by Emerson, Thoreau, Parker, John Brown, George Fitzhugh and others.
EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Midterm paper, 5 pp.; one oral presentation to the seminar; 15 pp. final paper (critical or research).
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS
The course is intended for advanced students, who are interested in the connections between literature and history, and are prepared to spend time in the reserve room reading old, dusty books.
COURSE FORMAT:
Discussion
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Level:
UGRD
Credit:
1
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA ENGL
Grading Mode:
Graded
Prerequisites:
ENGL203 OR HIST235 OR AFAM201 OR HIST239
Links to Web Resources For This Course.
Last Updated on MAR-19-2004
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