American Literature – Before 1800

Unit 1 – Native American Oral Traditions & Myths

Unit 2 – Early Colonial American Literature

Unit 3 – Puritan Poetry and Sermons

Unit 4 – Colonial Wit and Satire

Unit 5 – Great Awakening & Jonathan Edwards

Unit 6 – The Enlightenment: Rise of Reason

Unit 7 – African American Voices in Early America

Unit 8 – American Revolution in Literature

Unit 9 – Federalist Papers & Political Writings

Unit 10 – The Early American Novel

Unit 11 – Gothic Fiction: Charles Brockden Brown

Unit 12 – Early American Drama & Theater (1600s-1800)

## What do you learn in American Literature: Before 1800

You'll explore the roots of American lit, starting with Native American oral traditions and moving through colonial writings, Puritan texts, and early American poetry. We'll read works by big names like Anne Bradstreet, Benjamin Franklin, and Phillis Wheatley, and dig into themes of identity, religion, and the birth of a nation. It's all about understanding how American literature evolved in its early days.

## Is American Literature: Before 1800 hard?

It can be a bit challenging, not gonna lie. The language in these old texts can be pretty dense and unfamiliar. But once you get used to the style, it's not too bad. The real trick is understanding the historical context and connecting it to the literature. If you're into history and can handle some archaic language, you'll probably find it manageable.

## Tips for taking American Literature: Before 1800 in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram. 🌶️
2. Keep a timeline of historical events alongside the literature you're reading. It helps connect the dots.
3. Don't just read, but try to understand the cultural context. Like, what was going on when Anne Bradstreet was writing her poetry?
4. Form a study group to discuss the readings. Talking it out really helps with understanding.
5. Watch "John Adams" miniseries for a visual of the time period.
6. Read some modern interpretations or analyses of the texts to get different perspectives.

## Common pre-requisites for American Literature: Before 1800

1. Introduction to Literature: This course covers the basics of literary analysis and interpretation. You'll learn how to read critically and write about literature.

2. American History to 1877: This class provides the historical backdrop for early American literature. You'll learn about the events and social conditions that influenced the writers of the time.

## Classes similar to American Literature: Before 1800

1. British Literature to 1800: Covers the development of English literature from Beowulf to the 18th century. You'll see some parallels with early American lit and understand its influences.

2. Colonial and Postcolonial Literature: Explores literature from former British colonies, including America. It offers a broader perspective on the themes of identity and nationhood.

3. Native American Literature: Focuses on the oral and written traditions of indigenous peoples in North America. It provides deeper insight into the earliest forms of American storytelling.

4. Early American History Through Literature: Combines historical study with literary analysis, using texts from before 1800 to understand early American society and culture.

## Majors related to American Literature: Before 1800

1. English Literature: Covers a wide range of literature from various periods and cultures. Students develop strong analytical and writing skills applicable to many careers.

2. American Studies: Combines literature, history, and cultural studies to explore American identity and society. It's interdisciplinary and can lead to diverse career paths.

3. History: Focuses on understanding and interpreting past events and their impact on society. Early American literature provides valuable primary sources for historical study.

4. Cultural Studies: Examines how cultural products, including literature, reflect and shape society. Early American lit offers rich material for understanding the formation of American culture.

## What can you do with a degree in American Literature: Before 1800?

1. Teacher or Professor: Educate students about early American literature and its historical context. This could be at high school or college level, depending on your degree.

2. Museum Curator: Organize exhibitions and manage collections related to early American history and culture. You'd use your knowledge to create engaging displays and educational programs.

3. Historical Consultant: Advise on historical accuracy for films, TV shows, or books set in early America. Your expertise in period literature would help create authentic dialogue and scenarios.

4. Archivist: Preserve and organize historical documents, including early American manuscripts. You'd work in libraries, museums, or government institutions to maintain these important cultural artifacts.

## American Literature: Before 1800 FAQs

1. Do we only read fiction in this course? No, you'll read a variety of genres including poetry, essays, sermons, and personal narratives.

2. How much writing is involved? Expect to write several analytical essays and possibly some creative responses to the texts you read.

3. Will this course help me understand modern American literature better? Absolutely! Understanding the roots of American literature gives you a solid foundation for interpreting later works.

Literature

1.2 Major Creation Myths and Their Significance

1.3 Storytelling Techniques and Cultural Preservation

1.1 Characteristics of Native American Oral Traditions

2.1 Columbus and the Literature of Exploration

2.3 Early English Settler Accounts

2.2 Spanish and French Colonial Narratives

3.2 The Sermons of Cotton Mather and Increase Mather

3.4 Edward Taylor's Metaphysical Poetry

3.3 Puritan Themes and Literary Devices

3.1 Anne Bradstreet and Puritan Poetry

4.1 Benjamin Franklin's Essays and Almanacs

4.3 The Development of American Humor

4.2 Satirical Works of the Colonial Period

5.1 Historical Context of the Great Awakening

5.2 Jonathan Edwards' Sermons and Philosophical Works

5.3 Impact of the Great Awakening on American Literature

6.2 Thomas Paine and Common Sense

6.1 Enlightenment Ideals in American Writing

6.3 Deism and Its Influence on Literature

7.1 Slave Narratives and Their Literary Significance

7.2 Phillis Wheatley's Poetry

7.3 Early African American Protest Literature

8.3 The Emergence of a National Literary Identity

8.2 Political Pamphlets and Persuasive Writing

8.1 Revolutionary War Poetry and Songs

9.2 Anti-Federalist Writings

9.1 The Federalist Papers: Authors and Key Arguments

9.3 The Constitution as a Literary Document

10.1 William Hill Brown's The Power of Sympathy

10.2 Hannah Webster Foster's The Coquette

10.3 Themes and Styles in Early American Novels

11.2 Charles Brockden Brown's Major Works

11.3 Gothic Elements and Their Cultural Significance

11.1 The Rise of American Gothic Literature

12.2 Royall Tyler's The Contrast

12.3 Themes and Styles in Early American Plays

12.1 The Emergence of American Theater

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