Literature is the essence of humanity. Therefore, American Literature can be viewed as the essence of our being…our collective culture. To study American Literature is to study the very essence of our National collective. THIS is who we are. THIS is where we began. THIS is our ongoing struggle. American Literature delves us deep into our National consciousness: Who are we as a people? Where did we come from? Where are we going? Who are we now??

Our year in American Literature will be focused on two major themes–themes that run throughout our body of literature (they’re always there…whether overt or not ): 1.) What is the American Identity?–what does it mean to be an American?; and 2.) What is the “American Dream”? –is it the same for all? has it been the same? is it necessarily “achievable”?

Oh–this is fun stuff! Very thought provoking. From the earliest settlers onward…we’re all in this together, because, quite frankly, these themes are questions. We will figure them out together.

I CAN’T WAIT!!!!!!!!