2525-0 English III Honors: American Studies; Full year
Grade 11

As an honors English class, American Studies aims for a high level of interpretive insight based on careful examination of literary texts. Unlike the Living America course, American Studies places special emphasis on historical and cultural contexts while exploring great works of our national literature. Assignments include readings that stress these contexts, opening up distinctive avenues for discussion and interpretation. American Studies is intended for strong readers, and works are chosen to pose unique conceptual and analytical challenges. In addition to American classics, students read contemporary works that seek to reimagine American history and culture. Course texts may include works by authors such as Hawthorne (The Scarlet Letter), Twain (The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn), Cather (O Pioneers!), Morrison (Beloved), Fitzgerald (The Great Gatsby), McCarthy (All the Pretty Horses), Ellison, (Invisible Man), and O’Brien (The Things They Carried).

Prerequisite: B+ or higher in English II and permission of the department.