May 30, 2026  
2026-2027 Catalog 
    
2026-2027 Catalog
Add to Portfolio (opens a new window)

ENG 206 - American Literature from 1865 to the Present


Credits: 3
3 Lecture Hours

Prerequisites: ENG 102  

 
Description
This is a survey course of American literature from the Civil War to the modern period. Included are such major writers as Dickinson, Twain, James, Crane, Frost, Hemingway, Faulkner and Steinbeck. Students study historical, political and philosophical trends important to an understanding of the literature.


Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will:

  1. Define the major literary periods in America from the Civil War to the present.
  2. Identify the major historical time periods and literary trends from the end of the Civil War to the present and list characteristics of each time period/trend.
  3. Exercise effective critical reading, thinking and writing skills.
  4. Evaluate the development of the American literary canon in order to judge the validity of literary theories and critical perspectives.
  5. Investigate through research methods the major concepts of American literary history including realism, modernism and post-modernism.
  6. Illustrate the synthesis of information from class readings, discussions, learning activities, lectures and research in evaluated writing assignments.
Listed Topics
  1. Major literary periods from 1865 to the present, especially literary realism and modernism
  2. Principal historical movements, social conditions and political tendencies that influence a writer’s ideas and style
  3. Characteristics of major critical perspectives
  4. Characteristics of American literature
  5. Common themes of the literature
Reference Materials
Current recognized texts, internet resources and multimedia
Students who successfully complete this course acquire general knowledge, skills and abilities that align with CCAC’s definition of an educated person. Specifically, this course fulfills these General Education Goals:
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
  • Culture Society & Citizenship
Approved By: Dr. Quintin B. Bullock Date Approved: 04/13/2025
Last Reviewed: 04/13/2025


Course and Section Search




Add to Portfolio (opens a new window)