Fall 2004

E 379 • American Literature and Thought, 1600-1840

Course Description

This course will focus on a period that includes the American Puritans, the American Enlightenment thinkers, and the American transcendentalists. Our goals will be to understand three “ideals” that preoccupied American writers during these centuries, and to then speculate about the transformation from one preoccupation to the next. We will read the Puritans in reference to their preoccupation with the “ideal of the pious believer”; Benjamin Franklin and Washington Irving in reference to the “ideal of the American citizen”; and Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau in reference to the “ideal of the American self”.

Grading Policy

Three take-home examinations 25%; 30%; 30%
Five announced quizzes (your best four scores will be averaged) 10%
Class participation 5%

Attendance: Students are permitted three unexcused absences during the semester. Additional absences may affect a student’s grade in the course.

Texts

Franklin, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
Irving, The Sketch Book
Emerson, Essays
Thoreau, Walden
Selected readings will be available in a course packet from Jenn’s Copy (below Scientology building on 22nd and Guadalupe)

back