ENGLISH
Updated 11/5/2001

ENGLISH 343: GREAT PLAINS LITERATURE (3 credit hours)

WHY: The Great Plains region has inspired writing by travelers, artists and writers. Their stories reflect our history and influence our culture and society. The Great Plains encompasses the grasslands of Kansas, Nebraska, South and North Dakota and parts of surrounding states. Great Plains literature helps us understand the ways that humans have transformed the grasslands and adapted to the region's unpredictable climate and economic peaks and valleys.

CONTENT: Classic and contemporary works that focus on ways writers have presented the Great Plains. We will read fiction and nonfiction works, examining them in the context of the region's history, other American literature, and popular culture. Topics include: Native American stories. Settlers, both historical and contemporary. Immigrants. The African-American experience. Corporate vs family farms. FORMAT: Informal lecture, discussion, occasional videos, optional field trips.

EVALUATION: Short writing assignments, some with research component. Essay final exam. Attendance and participation.

PREREQUISITES: English 101 and 102 REQUIRED FOR: One option for content courses included in the Great Plains Studies certificate.

RECOMMENDED FOR: English literature or education.

WHAT NEXT: Other courses in Great Plains Studies certificate; other upper-level English courses.

RELATED COURSES: Any of the content courses included in the Great Plains Studies Certificate for either Great Plains Studies students or other students interested in the region: Anthropology 612; Anthropology 613; Biology 503; Biology 575; Geology 562; Geology 570; History 535Q; History 536; Ethnic Studies 332; Ethnic Studies 380. And in English: English 346.