1. American Literature Literary Periods to Civil War
Names
Period

2. Assignment Details
In your group, research the six literary periods of American literature prior to the Civil War.
You can answer questions separately or construct a paragraph, but ALL answers must be written in COMPLETE SENTENCES.
Information may be presented in PPT or DOC.
Cite your sources in MLA format.
I suggest using a GoogleDoc so everyone in your group can work on it at the same time.

3. Reliable Research Sources
The internet provides easy access to an overwhelming amount of information, but it is not always reliable.
Five things to check for:
Authority
Accuracy
Objectivity
Currency
Coverage

4. Suggested Sources
You will be evaluated not only on the information you present but also the sources you use. Here are some suggestions for reliable sources:
Elements of Literature textbook
Professor Mark Canada’s American Lit syllabus:
Norton Anthology of American Lit student site:

5. Native American Literature Beginnings to 1620s
What are the characteristics of literature?
What are the common genres?
Who are key authors? What are key texts?
How is the American experience represented in the American hero, journey, and dream?
How is this period similar to or different than another period?

6. Age of Faith Literature 1620 to 1750
What are the characteristics of literature?
What are the common genres?
Who are key authors? What are key texts?
How is the American experience represented in the American hero, journey, and dream?
How is this period similar to or different than another period?

7. Age of Reason Literature 1750 to 1800
What are the characteristics of literature?
What are the common genres?
Who are key authors? What are key texts?
How is the American experience represented in the American hero, journey, and dream?
How is this period similar to or different than another period?

8. Romantic Literature 1800 to 1860
What are the characteristics of literature?
What are the common genres?
Who are key authors? What are key texts?
How is the American experience represented in the American hero, journey, and dream?
How is this period similar to or different than another period?

9. Transcendental Literature 1840 - 1860
What are the characteristics of literature?
What are the common genres?
Who are key authors? What are key texts?
How is the American experience represented in the American hero, journey, and dream?
How is this period similar to or different than another period?

10. Dark Romantic Literature 1840 to 1860
What are the characteristics of literature?
What are the common genres?
Who are key authors? What are key texts?
How is the American experience represented in the American hero, journey, and dream?
How is this period similar to or different than another period?

11. Works Cited