History of the American Language 340-AG1-2HLA

The course aims to provide an outline of American literature from the late 17th century to the first half of the 20th century. The lectures focus on the problem of periodization of American literature and on those writers who have achieved the status of classics. Selected works and themses are discussed during the course, but the students are obliged to read the texts at home and deepen their knowledge individually.

obligatory courses

At the end of the course the student:
- has basic knowledge on the development of American literature in the historical perspective (the period from the 17th century to the 1930s) - K_W03, K_W05
- enumerates literary periods in their chronological order - K_W05, K_W07
- identifies the main representatives of the given literary periods and movements in American literature - K_W05, K_W07
- has basic knowledge of biographies, dominant themes and characteristic motifs in American literature- K_W05, K_W07
- knows basic literary terms - K_W02, K_W03
- can emulate the examples of literary analysis and literary interpretation that have been presented during the course - K_U04, K_U05, K_U08, K_U13
- displays basic academic skills while analysing and interpreting American canonical literary text in his/her own project work - K_U04, K_U05, K_U08, K_U13
- acquires knowledge and academic skills on his/her own, following the guidelines of the teacher - K_U04, K_U05, K_U08, K_U13
- prepares oral presentations (in English) on a selected problem, drawing on relevant theoretical sources - K_U04, K_U05, K_U08, K_U13
- is able to develop an argument on the problems discussed during the course, drawing on the opinions of the authors, and drawing logical conclusions = K_U04, K_U05, K_U08, K_U13
- is able to explain the importance of cultural legacy that is present in canonical texts of American literature - K_U04, K_U05, K_U08, K_U13
- is tolerant and open to different viewpoints and can relate to them in a critical way - K_K03, K_K07
- while addressing controversial issues, expresses balanced opinions, considering the views and feelings of others - K_K03, K_K08

The effects of Knowledge and Skills will be verified with discussions and written works, and the effects of Competence will be verified with discussions, presentations, and group work.

The course ends with a grade based on the student's performance during written test, assignments, and in-class work. The gardes are as follows:

5 - 100%-91%
4,5 - 90%-81%
4 - 80%-71%
3,5 - 70%-61%
3 - 60%-51%

To receive a positive grade, the student has to earn at least 51% of the points available in the course. Students who receive less than 51% of points will be able to retake the final test (the entire material) at the end of the course. To pass, students need to receive at least 51% points; however, at that point, the only available grade is 3.
Students are allowed to be absent twice during a term without any formal excuse. Students whose number of unexcused absences is more than two per semester are obliged to get credit for the material covered during their absence. Students may be absent on the day of a test only because of medical reasons.

High, Peter B. An Outline of American Literature. Longman 1986.

Gray, Richard. A Brief History of American Literature. Wiley-Blackwell 2011.

Gray, Richard. A History of American Literature. Second Edition. Wiley-Blackwell 2012.

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

• Description of 340-AG1-2HLA in USOSweb