AJL15103 American Literature 3: 1960-Present

Faculty of Arts
Autumn 2023
Extent and Intensity
0/2/0. 6 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Martina Horáková, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Martina Horáková, Ph.D.
Department of English and American Studies – Faculty of Arts
Contact Person: Tomáš Hanzálek
Supplier department: Department of English and American Studies – Faculty of Arts
Timetable of Seminar Groups
AJL15103/01: Thu 14:00–15:40 G32, except Thu 16. 11., M. Horáková
AJL15103/02: Thu 10:00–11:40 J21, except Thu 16. 11., M. Horáková
Prerequisites
( AJL01002 Practical English II || AJ01002 Practical English II ) && ( AJL04003 Intro. to Literary Studies II || AJ04003 Intro. to Literary Studies II )
1. Basic knowledge of the history of the United States of America. 2. Willingness to read longer texts. 3. A good command of English.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
The capacity limit for the course is 50 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 33/50, only registered: 1/50, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 1/50
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
there are 12 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Course objectives
This course attempts to capture the cultural and literary diversity of American writing since the 1960s. Reading a variety of genres, the course examines works by authors from different geographical regions and literary generations as well as authors of various social and ethnic backgrounds.
Course objectives:
1. To appreciate the diversity of themes, genres and writers in American literature of the past 60 years.
2. To refine critical thinking and achieve a deeper understanding of how literature affects us and how it may enrich our perception of the world.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will:
1. Acquire a fuller appreciation of American literature since the 1960s until the 21st century and the cultural history of the United States.
2. Better understand the role of literature in shaping national mythologies and providing counter-narratives.
3. Refine critical thinking, argumentation and discussion, and improve speaking and writing skills in English.
Syllabus
  • Syllabus:
  • Week 1: Introduction to course policies and assignments
  • Unit I: Identity Politics
  • Week 2: Native American Storytelling and Orality: Leslie Marmon Silko, “Yellow Woman” (1974) and N. Scott Momaday, from The Way to Rainy Mountain (1969)
  • Week 3: Asian American Ethno-autobiography: Maxine Hong Kingston, The Woman Warrior (1976)
  • Week 4: African American Cultural Heritage: Alice Walker, “Everyday Use” (1973)
  • Week 5: Growing Up Chicano/a: Denise Chavez, “The Last of the Menu Girls” (1986) and Rudolfo Anaya, from Bless Me, Ultima (1972)
  • Unit II: Varieties of Place and Self
  • Week 6: Middle-class Family: John Updike, “Separating” (1975), John Cheever, “The Swimmer” (1963)
  • Week 7: History and Place: David Guterson, Snow Falling on Cedars (1994)
  • Week 8: Nature Writing: Barbara Kingsolver, Annie Dillard, Linda Hogan
  • Unit III: American Postmodernism and 21st century
  • Week 9: reading week, no class
  • Week 10: Intertextual Entaglements: Michael Cunningham, The Hours (1998)
  • Week 11: Comic books, Graphic novels
  • Week 12: reserved for guest speakers, topics from 21st century American literature
  • Week 13: reserved for guest speakers, topics from 21st century American literature
Literature
  • The Heath anthology of American literature. Edited by Paul Lauter. 5th ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2006, xxii, 838. ISBN 0618532994. info
  • The Norton anthology of American literature. Edited by Nina Baym. 6th ed. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2003, s. 1071-19. ISBN 0393979008. info
Teaching methods
Class sessions will include a mini-lecture, audio-visual learning, and group and class discussions.
Assessment methods
1. Students will be required to read all assigned texts before the class and will be assesed on their contributions to group and class discussions. -> 20% of the final mark
2. Students will write 3 short responses to assigned texts in the class during the semester. -> 30% of the final mark
3. Students will submit a final project (argumentative essay). -> 50% of the final mark
Every assignment must receive at least 60 out of 100%.
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
Teacher's information
Attendance: Since this course consists of literary seminars in which students’ participation is crucial, attendance is compulsory and only ONE unexcused absence is tolerated. Absences due to illness or family emergency must be documented in the study department.
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2025.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
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