Masterpieces of American Literature to 1866

Teachers and editors of American literature traditionally have a specific slant. This slant normally presents the following:

  • Literature MUST be written.
  • Literature is in English.
  • Literature is only specific genres
                        Novel
                        Short Story
                        Poetry
                        Epic
                        Essay
  • American Literature is less noteworthy than British literature (who would rather read, William Golding or William Faulkner?)
  • Drama
  • American Literature must be written within the territory of the 50 states.

I, however, find this traditional slant far too restrictive, too Eurocentric (something I detest), and lessens the rich history and rich culture of America.

This course explores a variety of questions.
  • Can Literature be oral?
  • Can Literature be other genres including mythology and song lyrics?
  • Can American Literature exist in languages other than English?
  • What is 'American Literature'?
  • When is 'American Literature?
The impact of the American Frontier Experience cannot be either denied or ignored.  For example, in some respects Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter is a frontier novel.
          
Available below is a class presentation presenting an introduction to the course:
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