The American Literature Survey courses explore a variety of writings that reflect the rich history, diverse cultures, and of the United States. The first semester focuses on short stories and poetry from a variety of authors and time periods and the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Students will review plot structure and literary techniques. The second semester focuses on American folklore, famous essays and speeches. We will also be reading the play Inherit the Wind by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Lee. Students will continue to refine writing skills and focus on critical thinking skills.
Course materials: Most required works are available online or provided within the course. The required novel for American Literature A (Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird) and play for American Literature B (Inherit the Wind by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Lee) may be borrowed from a library, purchased, or provided by the school.
Standards met: All strands of the Minnesota Language Arts standards are addressed.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = 0.5 credit, Semester B = 0.5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisites: None