Examines American literature from the post-Civil War era (1865) to present day. Looks at the American tradition and culture and how each artist fits within his or her historical context through the literary periods of realism, naturalism, modernism, and post-modernism. Explores how students fit into the American tradition and culture. Teaching methods may include small group discussions, lectures, independent study, and the use of computer labs. Prerequisite: ENG101.