American Literature – 1860 to Present

Unit 1 – Literary Movements in American Literature

Unit 2 – Major American Authors Since 1860

Unit 3 – Regionalism and Local Color in American Lit

Unit 4 – Modernism & Literary Experimentation

Unit 5 – Realism and Naturalism in American Literature

Unit 6 – Poetry and Poetic Forms

Unit 7 – The American Novel

Unit 8 – Drama and Theater

Unit 9 – Minority Voices in American Literature

Unit 10 – War Literature

Unit 11 – Social Criticism in American Literature

Unit 12 – Lit Responses to Tech & Cultural Change

## What do you learn in American Literature Since 1860

You'll explore American lit from the Civil War to today. Expect to read novels, poems, and short stories by major authors like Mark Twain, Emily Dickinson, and Ernest Hemingway. You'll analyze themes like industrialization, civil rights, and the American Dream, and see how historical events shaped literature over time.

## Is American Literature Since 1860 hard?

It's not a walk in the park, but it's not impossible either. The reading load can be heavy, and you'll need to keep up with assignments. Some of the older texts might have language that takes getting used to. But if you enjoy reading and discussing books, you'll probably find it pretty engaging and not too overwhelming.

## Tips for taking American Literature Since 1860 in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Stay on top of the reading schedule - falling behind is a nightmare
3. Keep a journal of your thoughts on each text - super helpful for essays
4. Participate in class discussions - it helps you remember the material better
5. Watch film adaptations of the books you're reading (like "The Great Gatsby" or "To Kill a Mockingbird")
6. Check out the Ken Burns documentary series on the Civil War for historical context
7. Don't just summarize - always try to analyze and make connections between texts

## Common pre-requisites for American Literature Since 1860

1. Introduction to Literature: This course covers the basics of literary analysis and introduces you to different genres. You'll learn how to read critically and write about literature.

2. American Literature Before 1860: This class focuses on early American literature up to the Civil War. You'll read works by authors like Hawthorne, Poe, and Melville, and explore themes of colonialism and national identity.

## Classes similar to American Literature Since 1860

1. British Literature Since 1800: Covers major British authors and literary movements from the Romantic period to the present. You'll read works by writers like Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Virginia Woolf.

2. World Literature: Explores literature from various cultures and time periods around the globe. You'll gain a broader perspective on literary traditions and themes.

3. Modern American Poetry: Focuses specifically on American poetry from the late 19th century to the present. You'll dive deep into the works of poets like Walt Whitman, Robert Frost, and Sylvia Plath.

4. African American Literature: Examines the literary contributions of African American writers from slavery to the present. You'll explore themes of identity, resistance, and cultural heritage.

## Majors related to American Literature Since 1860

1. English Literature: Focuses on the study of literature in English from various time periods and cultures. Students develop critical thinking and writing skills while exploring a wide range of texts.

2. American Studies: Combines literature, history, and cultural studies to examine American society and culture. Students gain a multidisciplinary understanding of American identity and experiences.

3. Comparative Literature: Involves studying literature from different languages, cultures, and time periods. Students learn to analyze texts across linguistic and cultural boundaries.

4. Creative Writing: Focuses on developing skills in writing fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction. Students often study literature as models for their own writing.

## What can you do with a degree in American Literature Since 1860?

1. Teacher: Educate students about literature and writing at various levels. You could teach high school English or become a college professor specializing in American literature.

2. Editor: Work in publishing to review and improve written content. You might edit books, magazines, or online publications, applying your knowledge of literature and writing.

3. Content Writer: Create written content for websites, blogs, or marketing materials. Your understanding of storytelling and language can be valuable in crafting engaging content.

4. Librarian: Manage and organize library resources, assist patrons with research, and promote literacy. Your knowledge of literature can help in curating collections and recommending books.

## American Literature Since 1860 FAQs

1. Do I need to be an English major to take this course? Not necessarily, but you should have some experience with literary analysis. It's often open to students from various majors who are interested in American literature.

2. Will we only read novels in this class? No, you'll likely read a mix of novels, short stories, poems, and possibly some essays or speeches. American literature since 1860 covers a wide range of genres.

3. How much writing is typically involved? Expect to write several essays throughout the semester. You might also have shorter response papers or online discussion posts about the readings.

Literature

1.1 Realism

1.2 Naturalism

1.3 Modernism

1.4 Postmodernism

1.6 The Beat Generation

1.5 The Harlem Renaissance

1.9 Transcendentalism's influence

1.7 Confessional poetry

1.8 The Lost Generation

2.5 William Faulkner

2.4 Ernest Hemingway

2.6 F. Scott Fitzgerald

2.2 Emily Dickinson

2.10 Tennessee Williams

2.3 Walt Whitman

2.8 John Steinbeck

2.9 Langston Hughes

2.7 Toni Morrison

2.1 Mark Twain

3.1 New England regionalism

3.4 Midwestern literature

3.3 Western American literature

3.2 Southern Gothic

3.5 Appalachian literature

3.6 Urban literature

4.1 Stream of consciousness

4.2 Fragmentation and non-linear narratives

4.3 Imagism

4.4 Dadaism and Surrealism in American context

4.6 Experimental poetry forms

4.5 The Avant-garde

5.1 Social realism

5.2 Psychological realism

5.3 Determinism in naturalism

5.4 The influence of Darwin on literature

5.5 Urban realism

5.6 Rural naturalism

6.1 Free verse

6.2 Sonnets

6.3 Haiku and Eastern influences

6.4 Concrete poetry

6.5 Prose poetry

6.6 Slam poetry and spoken word

7.1 The Great American Novel concept

7.2 Bildungsroman in American literature

7.3 Historical fiction

7.4 Dystopian novels

7.5 Metafiction

7.6 The rise of genre fiction

8.1 American realism in theater

8.2 Expressionism in American drama

8.3 The American musical

8.4 Off-Broadway and experimental theater

8.5 Absurdist drama in America

8.6 Political theater

9.3 Asian American literature

9.4 Chicano/Latino literature

9.5 LGBTQ+ literature

9.6 Jewish American literature

9.1 African American literature

9.2 Native American literature

10.1 Civil War literature

10.2 World War I literature

10.3 World War II literature

10.4 Vietnam War literature

10.5 Cold War literature

10.6 Post-9/11 war literature

11.1 Labor and working-class literature

11.2 Environmental literature

11.3 Feminist literature

11.4 Civil rights literature

11.5 Anti-war literature

11.6 Counterculture literature

12.1 Literature of the Industrial Revolution

12.2 The impact of urbanization on literature

12.3 Literature in the Digital Age

12.4 Globalization in American literature

12.6 Post-human and cyberpunk literature

12.5 Science fiction and futurism

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