1. Major Time Periods Unit One – 2000bc – 1620ad Unit Two – 1620 – 1800
Includes Native American Traditions
Unit Two – 1620 – 1800
The Puritan Tradition, Revolution
Unit Three
Romanticism, Transcendentalism, Individualism
Unit Four – 1850 – 1900
Slavery and the Civil War
Unit Five – 1855 – 1925
Women’s Voices in changing America
Unit Six – 1910 – 1940
Harlem Renaissance, Modernism
Unit Seven – Present
World War II, Post-War

2. Unit One – Native American Traditions 2000bc – 1620ad
Belonged to more than 200 distinct groups who spoke more than 500 different languages
Had complex religious beliefs, sophisticated political systems, and strong social values
Native American literature was mostly passed down orally from generation to generation by storytelling
Literature included:
1. Myths – explained beginning of the world
2. Tales – heroes and tricksters who transformed the world into its present state
3. Songs – ritual music used in ceremonies

3. Literature emphasizes:
Importance of living in harmony with the natural world
Human beings have a kinship with animals, plants, the land, heavenly bodies, and the elements
The human and non-human are seen as parts of a sacred whole (humans are a part of nature)
Terms to Know:
Creation Myth – explains how the universe, earth, and life began
Folk Tales – stories handed down, usually orally, from generation to generation
Trickster Tales – folk tales that feature an animal or human character who engages in deceit, violence, and magic

4. Unit Two – Puritanism
What was going on in America at this time?
1630 – Puritans establish Massachusetts Bay Colony
1755 – Begin of Revolutionary War
1789 – George Washington Elected
1791 – Bill of Rights added to Constitution
Puritan Beliefs
Key to Puritan heart and soul is religious belief
“Human beings are inherently evil and so must struggle to overcome their sinful nature.”
“Personal salvation depends solely on the grace of God, not an individual effort.”
“The Bible if the supreme authority on earth.”

5. Good Characteristics of Puritans
They valued family life, community service, art, and literature.
2. They were the first in the colonies to establish a printing press, free public grammar school, and a college (Harvard).
Bad Characteristics of Puritans
They were arrogant in their faith, intolerant of others.
2. Those that stayed in England had their King overthrown and beheaded.

6. Unit Three – Transcendentalism & Romanticism 1800-1855
Enlightenment and Rationalism (Late 1700s)
Universe governed by few simple laws, not an angry God
As humans, we experience things through senses
Men are created equal with certain rights
Humans are naturally good and can improve themselves
Romanticism (After War of 1812)
Emotions and feelings
Spontaneity of expression
Mystical link to God
Interested in past history

7. Transcendentalism
Generation of well educated people who lived in the decades before the American Civil War
2. Created literature, essays, novels, philosophy, poetry, and other writing that were different from anything from England, France, Germany, or any other European nation
3. Became involved in social reform movements, especially anti-slavery and women's rights
4. Saw little need for organized religion
5. Had a great connection with universe and nature
Unit Three – Transcendentalism & Romanticism

8. Unit Four – Conflict and Expansion 1850-1900
“We all declare for liberty; but in using the same word we do not mean the same thing.” - Abe Lincoln
What was going on in America at this time?
1863 – Abe Lincoln delivers Gettysburg Address
1865 – Civil War ends; 13th Amendment abolishes slavery
1893 – Henry Ford develops gasoline-powered automobile
Generated much literature by African American authors such as Frederick Douglass and Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
Authors we’ll read:
Ambrose Bierce
Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Frederick Douglass

9. Changing the Face of America (1855 – 1925)
Unit Five
Changing the Face of America (1855 – 1925)
What was going on in America at this time?
1876 – Alexander Graham Bell invents telephone
1879 – Edison invents light bulb
1885 – Karl Benz of Germany builds single-cylinder engine for motor car
1912 – Titanic sinks
1920 – US passes 19th Amendment – allowing women to vote

10. Unit Seven – War Abroad & Conflict at Home 1940 – 1990s
What was happening in the US at this time?
1941 – Japan bombs Pearl Harbor
1954 – Schools are no longer segregated
JFK assassinated
1969 – Land on moon
1991 – Gulf War begins