American Literature is designed to strengthen the skills of reading, writing, viewing, speaking, and listening in an integrated way by studying the development of American literature from colonial times to the present.  The course is characterized by an emphasis on the relationship between language, literary movements, themes, styles, and genres.  Instruction takes place through whole-group, small-group, and independent learning.  The course provides opportunities to develop skills and apply strategies within the context of reading, listening, speaking, viewing, and writing activities.  A wide variety of literary genres is offered to meet reading abilities and personal interests.  Several texts are required reading, and several supplemental texts are available for instruction, too.  Students are required to write a literary research paper.