Survey of American Literature: Eng 253

This unit includes a sample syllabus for a survey of American Literature class. The provided chronological outline starts with the Iroquois creation myth and ends with Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin. Numerous resources in this unit help students understand, discuss, analyze, and write about the primary texts.  One recommended assignment gives students a chance to write about themselves, offering an opportunity for instructors to assess writing skills early in the term; another teaches students to research and summarize scholarly writing through an annotated bibliography. Finally, a link to Cornell University's Academic Honesty resource provides concrete information and an online quiz to help students avoid unintentional plagiarism.

Click here: Course Description, English 253/254, A Dual-Credit Class

Click here: Chronological Outline, English 253/254

Click here: How to "Actively" Read

Click here: How to Analyze Essays

Click here: Discussion Guidelines, Rules of Engagement

Click here: How to Read Academic Writing

Click here: Exercise, Elimination for Comprehension

Click here: Writing Assignment #1, Introduce Yourself

Click here: The Annotated Bibliography, an assignment for any point in the term

Click here: Recognizing and Avoiding Plagiarism

Click here: The OWL at Purdue - Help with Writing.  Students can use this resource as needed for information about MLA format, proper citations, research, subject-specific writing and more.