ENGLISH 396

AMERICAN LITERATURE SINCE 1860

INSTRUCTOR: Christine Mitchell DVIC OFFICE HOURS: TTH 12:30 3:00

OFFICE: D Vickers 339 ONLINE HOURS: MW 10:00 12:30 ONLY

If you need to reach me outside of class, the best way is to email me at

cmitchell@selu.edu from your Southeastern account. I will reply as soon as
possible. You may also call my office at 985-549-5785 during office hours. Please
note that I do not generally reply to messages over the weekend.

COURSE OVERVIEW
American Literature since 1860 is a survey of significant American writers and their
works from the Civil War to the present.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
Five principal objectives will organize the course:
1. Students will become familiar with the authors and texts of American literature
from the late 19th century to the present.
2. Students will be able to discuss the primary themes and concepts that shaped
and expressed the changes in the nation and the course of its literature.
3. Students will recognize various literary styles, devices, and structures and be
able to discuss them within a given context.
4. Students will engage in literary analysis in both written and oral formats.
5. Students will receive information to prepare them for the Praxis exam specifically
and other graduate exams generally.

REQUIRED TEXTS:
The Norton Anthology of American Literature: Vol. C, D, E (rental)

OPTIONAL BUT RECOMMENDED RESOURCES:

MLA Handbook, 7th or 8th edition or access to www.mla.org
A good handbook of literary terms

DISCUSSION OF ASSIGNMENTS:
This class will rely heavily on Moodle, so students will be required to check each day
for items assigned or any new development in expected course work. I expect you
all to participate in class, whether in groups or in general discussion. Each
students input is valuable to a lively, informative class.

ASSIGNMENTS:
Information about reading and writing assignments appears on the course syllabus;
grade specifics and relative point values for assignments is forthcoming.

ATTENDANCE: Attendance involves not only being present in the class, but also being
prepared, having read the assignment, being ready to discuss it, and having your
book with you. Mere physical presence is not enough to be counted as attending
the class. If you are not prepared, you may be considered as absent under this
attendance policy. Absences that exceed 10% of total class meetings (thats about
3) may adversely affect your grade.