Overview
Aims
Analysing literary texts in English in the context of the literary traditions of the target culture; detailed studies of some major writers of 19th and 20th century American literature.
Identifying the specific features of epochs and literary trends of American literature, describing them on account of the developments in the country s culture and civilisation
Analysing fictional texts both spontaneously and on the basis of selection : in terms of major themes, characters, levels of interpretation ,narrative techniques and brief contextualisation of literary and extra-literary influences and/or broader cultural movements.
Course contents
1. North American Literature : Social and Literary Background 2. E. A. Poe 91809-1849). Studies and military career, fame, mysterious death. Works: tales of ratiocination, arabesque, psychological thrillers, poetry, reputation 3. N. Hawthorne (1804-1864). Family background, early writing, The Brook Farm Ccmmunity, a successful author, last years.The Scarlet Letter-theme,symbols and motifs. 4. W. Whitman (1819-1892). Early jobs, writing poetry, the Civil War years, last years. Works: father of American poetry, themes, reputation 5.Mark Twain(1835-1910).Literary career,fronteer humour and realism, success, themes, styles ,reputation 6. R. Frost (4874-1963). Life, marriage, depression, England and first published collections, return to USA, literary awards. Works: setting, layers of meaning, style, reputation 7. F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940). Early years, success, marriage and the high life, Europe and The Great Gatsby, ilness, debts and declining reputation. Works: an American classic, style 8. E. Hemingway (1899-1961). An early call to action and writing, success and adventure, mental and physical decline. Works: an American icon, experience-based stories, his literary style. 9. W. Faulkner (1897-1962). Military service and university, success and fame, life on a farm. Works: Yoknapatawpha cycle, main works, style 10J. Steinbeck (1902-1968). Life, difficult beginnings, critical and commercial success. Works: Tortilla Flat and Of Mice and Men, The Grapes of Wrath, themes, literary reputation 11. A.Miller (1915-2005). Life and works, dramatic career, most celebrated themes, style, social drama, awards .Death of a Salesman-the decline of the American dream. 12.T.Williams(1911-1983). Life and works, dramatic career background and education, art critic and involvement in theatre, style and themes, plays, awards 13. E.Albee (1928-). Family background and education, life and works, dramatic career, style and themes, plays, awards
Learning outcomes
Presenting and analysing literary phenomena in the context of the target culture Establishing the major characteristics of the American literature, the great themes and trends in American culture The concrete production of literary knowledge on the basis of deeper insights within the study of the 19th and 20th American literature.
Assessment
Written paper/oral exam – 60%; continuous assessment-essays, presentations – 40%.