LIT 265 - Major American Writers

1. Analyze literary texts by American authors for both meaning and form.
2. Explain the social, historical, and cultural contexts of American literature.
3. Interrogate historical and socio-cultural biases that resulted in the inclusion and exclusion of historically marginalized writers within the American literary canon.
4. Make critical arguments for the interpretation of American literature through writing.

1. Intensive Writing and Critical Inquiry

1. Producing written discourse in more than one assignment through papers, reports, quizzes, tests, etc., which includes a minimum word standard of 3000 words.
2. Written assignments emphasize critical inquiry which includes the gathering, interpreting, and evaluating of evidence.
3. Includes a formal out of class paper of at least 1,500 words which requires critical inquiry and where the writer develops and supports a main idea.  
4. Explicit writing instruction with timely feedback to help students improve their writing and critical inquiry skills is part of the course’s content.
5. The evaluation of written assignments must include the overall quality of written work and critical inquiry, as measured by a rubric.
6. At least 50% of the student’s grade must be based on the written work and critical inquiry assignments.

2. Analyze Literary Texts for Meaning and Form
   1.       Show how form relates to meaning.
   2.       Interpret literary texts using contemporary literary approaches and theories.
   3.       Demonstrate the ability to practice close reading.
3. Explain the social, historical, and cultural contexts of American literature.  
   1. Situate American literary texts within their place and time.
   2. Evaluate American literature in terms of political, economic, historical, psychological, and philosophical contexts.
   3. Examine history and patterns of inclusion and exclusion within the literary canon as they relate to race, class, gender, and difference in marginalized communities.
4. Interrogate historical and socio-cultural biases that resulted in the inclusion and exclusion of historically marginalized writers within the American literary canon.
   1. Explain cultural biases that produce, reproduce, and maintain exclusionary pratices as they relate to a modern understanding of American literature.
5. Make critical arguments for the interpretation of American literature through writing.
   1. Use writing and discussion for critical analysis, interpretation, and evaluating evidence.
   2. Provide convincing textual evidence to support analytical interpretations.
   3. Support claims about the interpretation of literary texts using textual evidence.