writing
American Literature

Websites

Knowing Poe
An invaluable companion to any classroom study of Edgar Allen Poe, this site from Maryland Public Television provides and extensive look the author's life, times, and work. You will find video selections exploring Poe's life throughout the site with clips of actor John Astin portraying Poe. The site also contains a wide selection of interactive features including a timeline that traces the intersection of events in American history and literature during Poe's lifetime, a tour of one of Poe's homes, a look at Baltimore during Poe's lifetime, an examination of what it was like to go to school during Poe's lifetime, In addition, you will find an analysis of Poe's works, primary source documents relating to his works, and online versions of some of his works.
Intended Audience: Students Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: Yes Searchable: Yes

Conversations with America
For over 50 years Studs Terkel has been collecting the stories of people involved in some of the nation's most pivotal events. This site features audio interviews from his Chicago radio show which aired from 1952 to 1997 and from his books Division Street, Hard Times, The Good War, Race, and Talking to Myself.
Intended Audience: General Reading Level: High School Teacher Section: No Searchable: No

American Authors On the Web
This site provides links to biographical information and online texts for American authors from the 17th century to the mid-20th century.
Intended Audience: General Reading Level: High School Teacher Section: No Searchable: No

Cambridge History of English and American Literature
This book was compiled over fourteen years, from 1907 to 1921. The Cambridge History contains over 303 chapters and 11,000 pages, with essay topics ranging from poetry, fiction, drama and essays to history, theology and political writing.
Intended Audience: General Reading Level: High School Teacher Section: No Searchable: Yes

Electronic Archives for Teaching the American Literatures
Essays, syllabi, bibliographies, and other resources for teaching the multiple literatures of the United States. The Archives are sponsored by Georgetown University and the D.C. Heath Publishing Company.
Intended Audience: Educators Reading Level: High School Teacher Section: N/A Searchable: Yes




Online Video

American Passages: A Literary Survey
This 16-part American literature course places literary movements and authors within the context of history and culture. Source: Annenberg Media

Literary Visions
Noted critics, authors, scholars, and actors enliven this exploration of literature and literary analysis. Source: Annenberg Media

Voices and Visions
The lives and works of 13 renowned American poets are interpreted through dramatic readings, archival photographs, dance, performances, and interviews. Source: Annenberg Media

American Writers
C-SPAN has brought together writers, scholars, historians and actors to examine the lives and works of 20th Century American writers who have influenced our history. Source: C-SPAN


Lesson Plans