Survey Lecture American Literature (Part I)

This survey lecture is indispensable for understanding the development of American literature within changing historical contexts. The first part will carry you from the indigenous beginnings and colonial American literature through its development in the 18th and 19th centuries all the way to the Civil War. As a consequence of exploring the meanings of the terms “America” and “literature” and their relevance for the definition of an American literary ‘canon,’ special emphasis will be put on the impact of ethnicity, gender, and social relations on American writing. The survey lecture forms the backbone of your study of American Literature. Most texts discussed in the lecture will be taken from the Heath Anthology of American Literature, ed. Paul Lauter (Fifth edition, vols. A and B, ISBN 13 ISBN-13: 978-0618532971; ISBN-13: 978-0618532988) whose purchase is recommended to students who want to specialize in American Studies (used earlier editions are available). Students are required to purchase/download a Reader.

Please note that this mandatory lecture forms part of various literature modules (Grundlagen I, Grundlagen II, Vertiefung I).