AML 2020H - Honors American Literature II: 1865 to Present

Communications Department

Credit(s): 3
Contact Hours: 47
Effective Term Fall 2015 (505)

Requisites

(Prerequisite ENC 1101 with a minimum grade of C or
Prerequisite appropriate score on the college placement test) or
Prerequisite ENC 1101H with a minimum grade of C or
Prerequisite IDS 1101H with a minimum grade of C or
Prerequisite IDS 1111H with a minimum grade of C or
Permission of the Program

Course Description

This course is designed to be an interdisciplinary study of American literature from the 19th century to the present. Special emphasis will be given to the literary movements of the 19th and 20th century. Representative selections from each period are critically examined for interpretation, historical background, artistic qualities, and philosophy, with emphasis on human values and application to life. This course also stresses methods of research and emphasizes writing research-based papers, including literary interpretation and critical analysis. Independent research and interdisciplinary connections will also be encouraged for students to make connections to other related areas of humanities, philosophy and literature in the Honors Program. This course partially satisfies the writing requirements as outlined in the General Education Requirements.(Note: Credit is only given for AML 2020 or AML 2020H.)

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will analyze selected examples of the major literary forms of American literature of the 19th and 20th century using primary and secondary source materials by:
    1. identifying, distinguishing and critiquing the major poetic forms and conventions of American literature using primary and secondary source materials.
    2. identifying, distinguishing and critiquing the major prose forms and conventions of American literature using primary and secondary source materials
  2. The student will evaluate the chief contributions of the major 19th and 20th century American writers to their own periods and their influences on later writers and movements in American Literature by:
    1. comprehending and analyzing the principal works of major American writers using primary and secondary source materials.
    2. stating and explaining the principal ideas of the major American writers, especially as they reflect the specific literary movements by using primary and secondary source materials.
    3. stating and explaining the principal literary innovations of the major American writers, especially as they reflect the specific literary movements.
    4. comparing and contrasting major American writers, their works, and their ideas, especially as they reflect specific literary and philosophical movements.
    5. recognizing and explaining the influence of the previous writers upon major American writers and their works as well as their influences on later American, British and European movements.
  3. The student will evaluate and synthesize insights into 19th and 20th century American literature, based on the close reading of primary sources, and secondary research in class discussion, independent research, and research-based analytic writing by:
    1. drawing logical inferences from study and discussion of the universal aspects of American literature using primary and secondary source materials.
    2. arguing these inferences and supporting them with evidence from the literature and from secondary sources in research-based writing.
  4. The student will use the library and/or electronic resources effectively in the gathering, selection, and citation of research, following Modern Language Association (MLA) guidelines for documentation.
    1. locating and evaluating relevant sources online or in the library.
    2. documenting sources, either electronic or in print, using MLA style.
  5. The student will appropriately use the literature of the course and secondary sources to write research-based and/or critical analysis essays, making connections to literary theory, and any relevant social, history and cultural contexts by:
    1. selecting and presenting materials from specified sources to:
      1. identify and paginate sources correctly.
      2. use ellipses and brackets as needed in parenthetical citations and works cited.
      3. summarize, paraphrase, quote and combine these types of sources effectively.
    2. composing papers which integrate the student's own words and ideas with those of primary and/or secondary sources by introducing and following primary and secondary sources effectively with commentary and interpretation.
    3. crediting information from primary sources through parenthetical citations.
    4. crediting information from secondary sources through parenthetical citations.
    5. preparing a works cited list of the sources used in the research paper that matches parenthetical citations and the works cited.
    6. writing correct forms for parenthetical references and for works cited entries, according to MLA format.
  6. The student will develop the skill to retrieve, interpret and evaluate information effectively and efficiently from electronic sources and use proper documentation in citing these sources by:
    1. selecting the most appropriate investigative methods.
    2. constructing and refining search strategies
    3. synthesizing main ideas to construct new concepts.
    4. comparing new knowledge with prior knowledge to determine the value added, contradictions, or other unique characteristics of the information.
    5. determining whether the new knowledge has an impact on the individual’s value system and taking steps to reconcile differences.
    6. validating understanding and interpretation of the information through discourse with other individuals, subject-area experts, and/or practitioners.
    7. assessing theory and assumptions or hidden political or cultural agendas held by secondary sources.

Criteria Performance Standard

Students will complete course activities including research paper, essays, quizzes, and tests with an average of 70% or better to earn a grade of "C."

History of Changes

C&I Approval: 04/11/2014, BOT Approval: 06/15/2014, Effective Term: Spring 2015 (495).
C&I Approval: 11/21/2014, BOT Approval: 02/17/2015, Effective Term: Fall 2015 (505)