In this course, the student will read novels, poetry, short stories, and non-fiction to explore themes such as the individual and society, American identity, and “the pursuit of happiness” in American literature and culture. The approach of the course is historical, tracing the development of these themes in literature from Native American times to the present. The student learns skills commonly used in the study of literature, writing papers that go beyond basic comprehension to the critical analysis of literary language. The student must also complete a 1,500-word research paper with five or more sources as a requirement for passing this course.