Retired 12/31/2008: A survey of representative works illustrating the development of American literature from its beginnings to the Civil War, with an emphasis on major literary movements understood in relation to their intellectual, social, and political contexts. Written work includes a midterm and final exam and at least two substantial papers (totaling 9-12 typed pages) in addition to any reading journals, class notes, or other informal responses. All written work must meet the usual standards for college-level writing, be clearly and coherently presented and substantially free of surface errors. Prerequisite: Completion of the first General Education writing course (C1 900).