American Literature

American Literature is a graduation-required literature and composition course, in which students challenge their understanding of what America is, who is Americans are, and how America has come to be.

Syllabus for Week of February 3

Monday

Lecture on Louis Armstrong's "What Did I Do to Be So Black and Blue?" and continuing to discuss the Epilogue to Ellison's Invisible Man.
HW: Finish reading the epilogue for class on Tuesday.

Tuesday

Lecture on the Black sermon in American literature, specifically listening to a sermon by Rev. C.L. Franklin, watching a sermon performed by James Brown in the film The Blues Brothers, and then examining the sermon in the second half of the "Epilogue" in IM.
HW: Reading the first ten pages of chapter two of IM.

Wednesday

In preparation for tomorrow's play, and to better understand what life was like for the IM during the first part of 20th century, southern American life, we will watch the first half of The Howlin' Wolf Story, a documentary about the famous race, rhythm and blues, and early rock 'n roll musician. The first excerpt of the film is on you-tube here.
HW: Read chapter seven of LWFC.

Thursday

Field trip to see August Wilson's 1940s Pittsburgh play, Seven Guitars. Those who are not attending will be begin reading Emerson's "Civil Disobedience," which Mr. Norton recommends to the IM as a must read.
HW: Finish reading chapter two of IM by class on Monday.

Friday

In the library for research, specifically looking for two articles that provide background on the historical setting of your independent novel, as well as the themes related to your novel. If you have NOT entered your book choice--the author, title, description of the book/themes in the novel, and why you are interested in it, do so NOW.
HW: Begin reading your chosen novel, reading the first (few) chapters.