139253

American Literature

An introduction to American literature, focusing on key novels, short stories and poems from the Romantic period through to the postmodern, and their relation to their historical and cultural contexts.

Course code

Qualifications are made up of courses. Some universities call these papers. Each course is numbered using six digits.

139253

Level

The fourth number of the course code shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).

200-level

Credits

Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.

15

Subject

English

Course planning information

General progression requirements

You must complete at least 45 credits from 100-level before enrolling in 200-level courses.

Learning outcomes

What you will learn. Knowledge, skills and attitudes you’ll be able to show as a result of successfully finishing this course.

  • 1 Demonstrate understanding of historical developments in American literature.
  • 2 Identify formal and stylistic qualities of American short stories, poetry and novels.
  • 3 Analyse significant themes depicted in American literary texts.
  • 4 Recognise connections between literary texts and their cultural contexts.
  • 5 Demonstrate the ability to critically analyse literary texts and present interpretations in critical essay form.

Learning outcomes can change before the start of the semester you are studying the course in.

Assessments

Assessment Learning outcomes assessed Weighting
Written Assignment 1 2 15%
Oral/Performance/Presentation 1 2 3 4 20%
Written Assignment 2 3 4 5 30%
Written Assignment 1 2 3 4 35%

Assessment weightings can change up to the start of the semester the course is delivered in.

You may need to take more assessments depending on where, how, and when you choose to take this course.

Explanation of assessment types

Computer programmes
Computer animation and screening, design, programming, models and other computer work.
Creative compositions
Animations, films, models, textiles, websites, and other compositions.
Exam College or GRS-based (not centrally scheduled)
An exam scheduled by a college or the Graduate Research School (GRS). The exam could be online, oral, field, practical skills, written exams or another format.
Exam (centrally scheduled)
An exam scheduled by Assessment Services (centrally) – you’ll usually be told when and where the exam is through the student portal.
Oral or performance or presentation
Debates, demonstrations, exhibitions, interviews, oral proposals, role play, speech and other performances or presentations.
Participation
You may be assessed on your participation in activities such as online fora, laboratories, debates, tutorials, exercises, seminars, and so on.
Portfolio
Creative, learning, online, narrative, photographic, written, and other portfolios.
Practical or placement
Field trips, field work, placements, seminars, workshops, voluntary work, and other activities.
Simulation
Technology-based or experience-based simulations.
Test
Laboratory, online, multi-choice, short answer, spoken, and other tests – arranged by the school.
Written assignment
Essays, group or individual projects, proposals, reports, reviews, writing exercises, and other written assignments.

Textbooks needed

Textbooks can change. We recommend you wait until at least seven weeks before the semester starts to buy your textbooks.

Compulsory

THE GREAT GATSBY

Author
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD
ISBN
978-0743273565
Edition
2004
Publisher
SCRIBNER
Notes
Note: For Palmerston North campus only

WASHINGTON SQUARE

Author
HENRY JAMES
ISBN
9780141441368
Edition
2007
Publisher
PENGUIN CLASSICS
Notes
Note: For Albany campus and Distance only

HOUSE OF MANY GODS: A NOVEL

Author
KIANA DAVENPORT
ISBN
9780345481518
Edition
2007
Publisher
BALLANTINE BOOKS
Notes
Note: For Palmerston North campus only

ON THE ROAD

Author
JACK KEROUAC
ISBN
9780241951538
Edition
2011
Publisher
PENGUIN
Notes
Note: For Albany campus and Distance only

Campus Books stock textbooks and legislation. For more information visit Campus Books.

Course delivery details

No offerings available

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