《新编美国文学史（第三卷）》课件lecture 1

1、Lecture 1Introduction:A Brief History of American LiteratureOutline 1. What is American literature and why?2. Course introduction1. What is American literature and why?What is American literature? When did “American literature” actually begin? Whats American literatures relation with British literat

2、ure? American or US? The beginning of American Literature?1620, the Pilgrims in Massachusetts 1607, Jamestown 1492 European explorersNative Americans: oral literatureBy the literature of America, we mean all written and oral literary works produced in that part of the world has become the United Sta

3、tes of America.Relation to English Literature?William FaulknerRalph Waldo EmersonWashington Irving(1783 1859)Henry JamesT. S. EliotEdgar Allan PoeEnglish Literature vs. American LiteratureSignificance of American Literature1. a unique form of history2. an inside story of America. 3. a base for conte

4、mporary discussion2. Course introductionobjectives:In this course, we will survey major trends and writers in American literature from the colonial period to the present.Study materials: (sisuses)文件中心We will see how the idea of Americanness is problematized and redefined throughout the nations histo

5、ry. the American dream?the New World MystiqueThe Declaration of Independenceall men are created equal,“ and that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights,“ including Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Requirements:1. Reading and Attendance: text based 2. Presentatio

6、n/Reader Responses Option a (writing): 2 Option b (writing + presentation): 1+1What to write/talk about?Writing about themesWriting about characterWriting about narrationWriting about symbolsWriting about history and contextWriting comparison and contrast Writing about themesThemes vs. topicsWriting

7、 about characterWriting about narrationWriting about symbolsCharacters, objects, and placesWriting about history and contextHistory and context vs. textWriting comparison and contrastTwo characters or themesAuthors treatment of a theme in two works; methods of character development 3. Final ExamMult

8、iple Choices(40*1)Reading Comprehension(15*1) Essay Questions (20*1+25*1) Assignments: Reading and discussion:1. In “Upon the Burning of Our House,” How does Bradstreet feel about worldly things? 2. Prepare one formal question to ask the class or write down one line that you find most intriguingTextbook: