American Literature Review

no certificate
with CEU Certificate*
-
8Lessons
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20Exams &
Assignments -
7Hours
average time -
0.7CEUs
Course Description
Reading and learning about American literature is synonymous with understanding the history and culture of a nation that has undergone dramatic social, economic, and cultural change in its relatively short history. This course is a review of the literature of America and the people who made it, from earliest days to the present. Learn about the major literary movements; realism, romanticism and transcendentalism and the authors who have contributed significantly to the development of American literature in its different aspects.
If you're looking for test prep or review for school or college or just interested in understanding the changes in American literature for your general educational enhancement, this course will meet your needs.
This fascinating course focuses on reviewing the literature of
American Literature 101 provides an easy-to-follow timeline and contains a brief synopsis of major authors and their works. In order to understand the history and culture of a nation that has undergone dramatic social, economic, and cultural changes, it’s important to understand the origins of the literature that spawned such tremendous changes. In addition, students of American literature often find themselves viewing the world around them with an increased understanding of cultural changes out there.
Whether you are looking for test preparation, reviewing for high school or college, or you are just interested in understanding what American literature is and how it evolved to where it is today, this course will be ideal. You’ll be able to access online forums and engage in discussions with your fellow online students and you’ll have online access to your instructor, who will be able to answer any and all questions that you might have.
Students of American Literature 101 will be exposed to the history of American literature and see how it applies to the literature of today. The student will experience the growth of American literature from the colonial period through the Civil War and finally wind up examining the American literature of today. Students will examine their favorite types of American literature and will learn to trace the evolution of the subject.
Students will also be given the opportunity to examine such areas as:
· Introduction: Students will that reading and learning about American literature is essential to understand the history and culture of the American nation – and will see that unlike any other country in the world, American literature was multicultural in its very origins.
· Colonial period through 1750: Students will examine how the myths and oral legends of the Native Americans, many of which did not have written languages, influenced American literature. In addition, students will see how there is a strong Scandinavian influence in early American literature. From there, the student will see how Puritanism had such a major impact upon the earliest forms of American literature.
· The writings of the Revolutionary Period up to 1820: Students will see how the writing during this period was mainly public writing – letters and pamphlets and declarations, as well as speeches and essays. The student will learn about Abigail Adams and her portrayal of Colonial life in her letters, as well as see how Hector St. John Crvecoeur’s “Letters from an American Farmer” began the start of what was to become the “melting pot” national identity. Students will also see how Benjamin Franklin’s writings have endured through modern times and discover Thomas Jefferson’s influences in the creation of the Declaration of Independence.
· The flowering of American Romanticism from 1820-1865: Students will learn the 4 principal romantic themes in American literature, and will understand what the origins of American Romanticism are. In addition, the works of such great authors as Washington Irving, James Fenimore Cooper, Herman Melville and Edgar Allen Poe will be examined.
· The writings of a Continental Nation: Students will examine Mark Twain and his creations, as well as Jack London, Emily Dickinson and will examine which African-American and Native American writers flourished during this time period.
· The writings of 1900-1920: The student will examine such writers as Robert Frost and Henry James, as well as William Butler Yeats and T.S. Eliot. In addition, students will examine the Harlem Renaissance and see how it has influenced contemporary works. The poet Langston Hughes will be discussed, along with the playwright Eugene O’Neill.
· The writings from 1920 to the present: Students will examine the works of authors during this period, and see how they impacted today’s culture.
American Literature 101 is a course that is perfect for students, academics, and for anyone who is curious as to how writing today has evolved from early times. Packed with useful information, in-depth insights, and presented in an interesting and educational way, it’s a must-have course for anyone who seeks to enrich their artistic aspirations.
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- Printable Lessons
- Full HD Video
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs

Course Lessons
Lesson 1: Introduction
Lesson 1 Video : Introduction Discussion
Take Poll: Why are you taking a class in American literature?
Take Survey: Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete: Introductory Assignment
Complete: Lesson 1 Quiz
Lesson 2: Colonial Period to 1750
Lesson 2 Video : Lesson 2 Discussion
Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment
Complete: Lesson 2 Quiz (Colonial Period Up To 1790)
Lesson 3: Revolutionary Period up to 1820
Lesson 3 Video : Introduction Discussion
Complete: Assignment for Lesson 3
Complete: Lesson 3 Quiz (The Writings Revolutionary of the Period up to 1820
Lesson 4: Writings from 1820 to 1865
Lesson 4 Video : Introduction Discussion
Review 3 Articles: Washington Irving; The Brahmin Poets; Harriet Beecher Stowe
Take Poll: What do you prefer reading?
Complete: Assignment for Lesson 4
Complete: Lesson 4 Quiz (The Flowering of American Romanticism from 1820-1865)
Lesson 5: The Writings of a Continental Nation, 1865-1900
Lesson 5 Video : Introduction Discussion
Review Article: Emily Dickinson - Life Stories, Books, and Links
Complete Assignment: American Realism
Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment
Complete: Lesson 5 Quiz ( The Writings of 1865-1900)
Lesson 6: Writings 1900-1920s
Lesson 6 Video : Introduction Discussion
Review Article: Zora Neale Hurston
Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment
Complete: Lesson 6 Quiz (The Writings of 1900-1920)
Lesson 7: Writings of 1920 to 1945
Lesson 7 Video : Introduction Discussion
Review 4 Articles: Gertrude Stein Quotes; E. E. Cummings; F. Scott Fitzgerald; John Steinbeck Quotes
Complete Assignment: Compulsion of Steinbeck, Fitzgerald and Hemmingway
Complete: Assignment for Lesson 7
Complete: Lesson 7 Quiz (The Writings of 1920-1945)
Lesson 8: Writings from 1945 to Present
Lesson 8 Video : Introduction Discussion
Take Poll: Favorite Time Period
Take Survey: Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course)
Complete Assignment: What Compelled American Writers 1945 to Present?
Complete: Assignment for Lesson 8
Complete: Lesson 8 Quiz (The Writings of 1945 -- To The Present)
Complete: Final Exam
Learning Outcomes
- Summarize the major literary figures and works from the Colonial Period to 1750.
- Summarize the major literary figure and works from the Revolutionary Period up to 1820
- Describe the major writings created from 1820-1865.
- Summarize the major writings of a Continental Nation, 1865-1900.
- Identify and summarize the major literary works of the 20th century, and
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Additional Course Information

- Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
- Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
- Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
- View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
- Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media

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Time to complete | 6 months |
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Time to complete | 6 months |
No. of courses | 1 course |
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Time to complete | 12 Months |
No. of courses | 500+ |
Certificates & CEUs
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Includes CEUs |
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Self-paced |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 24 Months |
No. of courses | 500+ |
Student Testimonials
- "This course was very helpful to me, as all the materials were in sequence. I am a senior citizen,so I spend countless hours reading. I so enjoyed this course, as it included names and the writings of so many great authors. Since I print all the lessons, I can now refer to them in my search for reading materials. Some of the authors I had forgotten-- a memory refresher for me....The instructor has been very prompt in grading the assignments and tests. Any emails that I sent to her were answered in the same day. I congratulate her for preparing and organizing this course that has rekindled my spirit. During the long,dark and very cold Canadian winters, I read so I am not alone. This has been an enlightening and uplifting walk with you through the lives of so many authors. Keep up the good work and I can only hope that you will be able to to present another online course in literature. My rating for this course is four stars." -- Sara H.
- "This course is more than super!" -- Yasar S.
- "Instructor was responsive, personal and timely." -- Joseph H.
- "Instructor was great!" -- Marcus M.
- "I've taken now 3 classes with this instructor and I am always challenged. His feedback is very useful and has challenged me to look further for more information and understanding. I've definitely learned a lot." -- Sandra C.
- "I just loved the course. I learned so much. The instructor was fantastic. His feedback was concise and informative and I appreciated his comments because they were insightful and clear. I wish I could take another course with him. Great instructor!" -- Arlene B.
- "Actually: every part of this course was extremely helpful. " -- Asmaa D.