Introduction to American Regional Literature

О курсе

This course explores the rich tapestry of American regional literature, focusing on how geography, culture, and history influence literary expression. Students will examine works from various regions, including the South, New England, the Midwest, the West, and the Great Plains, analyzing how authors capture the essence of their surroundings and refect regional identities.

The problematic central to this course lies in understanding the  tensions between local identity and national narratives, as well as how regionalism both  challenges and contributes to a unifed sense of American literature.

The course aims to delve into the ways in which regional literature captures the unique  voices, traditions, and experiences of various American communities. By examining works  from the South, the Midwest, the West, and New England, students will explore how regional  settings infuence themes, character development, and narrative style. The course also  considers how these regional texts interact with broader cultural and political movements, such as industrialization, migration, and the struggle for civil rights.

A key goal of the course is to foster an appreciation of the richness and diversity of American  literature beyond the canon of widely recognized national authors. Students will critically  engage with the concept of regionalism, analyzing how it serves both to celebrate local  distinctiveness and to critique broader social and cultural issues. The course also seeks to  challenge students to consider how regional literature informs our understanding of  American identity as a whole.

• Чему вы научитесь?

  — Understand the concept of regionalism in American literature.

  — Analyze the infuence of geography, culture, and history on literary works.

  — Examine the themes, styles, and narrative techniques of regional writers.

  — Compare and contrast the literary characteristics of different American regions.

  — Develop critical thinking and analytical skills through close reading and discussion.

• Пререквизиты

  B2 English level (as defned by CEFR scale)