American Literature 1914-present-Period 2

Over the course of the twentieth century, American society changed tremendously. These changes are reflected in both the themes and styles of the literatures of this time. The course is organized chronologically and clustered around three main themes, reflecting three major changes in American literature: modernism, the culture wars, and postmodernism. By looking at the works of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction produced during this time, we will try to find an answer to what American literature is, what the shifts in styles and themes can tell us about American society, and what it might tell us about the direction in which American literature is headed now, at the beginning of the 21st century. Writing will be an important component of this course.

Contact hours listed under a course description may vary due to the combination of lecture-based and independent work required for each course therefore, CEA's recommended credits are based on the ECTS credits assigned by VU Amsterdam. 1 ECTS equals 28 contact hours assigned by VU Amsterdam.