What This Document Is
This is a comprehensive class outline for ENL 311: American Literature to 1865, offered at the University of Detroit Mercy. It serves as a roadmap for the semester, detailing the course’s approach to a pivotal period in American literary history. The outline establishes the framework for exploring the evolution of literary forms and their connection to the social, cultural, and technological forces of the time. It’s designed to give students a clear understanding of expectations, required materials, and assessment methods.
Why This Document Matters
This outline is essential for anyone enrolled in, or considering enrolling in, ENL 311. It’s particularly useful at the beginning of the term to understand the course’s scope and plan accordingly. Students will benefit from reviewing it regularly to stay on track with reading assignments and project deadlines. It’s also valuable for understanding the instructor’s perspective on the material and the overall learning objectives of the course. Accessing this outline will help you determine if this course aligns with your academic interests and goals.
Topics Covered
* Early American Literary Movements
* The Rise of the Novel in America
* Gothic Literature and its Influence
* Slave Narratives and Autobiographical Forms
* The Impact of Enlightenment Discourse on Literature
* The Relationship Between Literature and American Capitalism
* The Role of Technology in Literary Production and Reception
* Key Authors: Brown, Crofts, Davidson, Dickinson, Foster, Poe
* Critical Approaches to Literary Analysis
What This Document Provides
* Instructor contact information and office hours
* A detailed overview of the course’s central themes and arguments
* A complete list of required texts, including author and publication details
* Links to helpful online resources for research and study
* A breakdown of all assignments, including essay lengths and percentage of final grade
* Policies regarding attendance and class participation
* A schedule outlining major assessment components throughout the semester.