MONASH UNIVERSITY FACULTY HANDBOOKS

Arts Undergraduate Handbook 1996

Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996

ENH2410

American literature: from puritanism to postmodernism

E Barry

Synopsis The subject is an introduction to some of the major writers in American literature and an exploration of the concept of a national literary identity. Beginning in the nineteenth century when the interplay of inherited European cultural forms and a burgeoning literary nationalism was at its most fruitful, the subject ranges from the puritan heritage of the great New England writers through to American postmodernism, and includes the contribution of black American writers.

Assessment Seminar paper (15 minutes): 25% + Essay (1500 words): 25% + Essay (3000 words): 40% + Seminar participation: 10%

Prescribed texts

• Anderson, D (ed.)Enchanted apartments, sad motels McPhee Gribble
• Baym N and others (eds) The Norton anthology of American literature vol. I, 4th edn
• Dreiser Sister Carrie Penguin
• James The turn of the screw and other short novels Signet
• Morrison Beloved Picador
• Twain The adventures of Huckleberry Finn Penguin

Preliminary reading

• Bercovitch S Ideology and classic American literature
• Fender S American literature in context, 1620-1830 Methuen
• Harding B American literature in context, 1830-1865 Methuen
• Lawrence D H Studies in classic American literature
• Reising R The unusable past
• Roland R and Bradbury M From puritanism to post-modernism: A history of American literature Penguin
• Ziff L Literary democracy Penguin