The American Dream in 20th Century Literature

The American Dream in 20th Century Literature

Helene
2 times/week · 1.5h each · 12 classes
3-4 students
Online Course

Course Overview

The American Dream is a ubiquitous phrase that has long entered our lexicon. What exactly does it mean and why is it so significant? This summer course explores the concept of the American Dream, its prevalence in American Literature, and its lasting legacy. It introduces students to several foundational works of American fiction and seeks to understand why these works remain so well known to this day. The course is guided by the following questions: What is the meaning of the American Dream and how is it unique to America? Do other nations have their own dreams? Where and how did the concept originate, and who coined the term? How was it regarded by the public and how did it evolve? Is the American Dream multifaceted, varying according to American regionalism? Who are the leading authors of the American Dream, and what secondary themes in their works support this central theme? The reading list includes The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, and Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller.

Course Highlights

Close reading of three American classics: in-depth study of The Great Gatsby, Of Mice and Men, and Death of a Salesman to grasp the core arc of 20th century American literature
Multi-dimensional exploration of the American Dream: examine its origins, historical evolution, and regional variations to build a thorough understanding of this central American theme
Build critical literary analysis skills: learn to identify secondary themes, analyze authorial techniques, and develop a systematic analytical framework
Aligned with international curricula: course content connects with IGCSE and IB Literature requirements, building a strong foundation for high school literary studies

About the Teacher

H

Helene

Helene graduated from McGill University with a degree in English Literature and has over seven years of online English teaching experience, specializing in reading comprehension, grammar, and academic writing. She brings deep knowledge of classic English and American literature, with a particular talent for guiding students to understand thematic expression and narrative techniques in literary works, helping them develop core skills in close reading and literary analysis.

Teacher Introduction

Learning Objectives

Understand the core meaning of the American Dream: grasp its origins, evolution, and diverse manifestations across different periods and regions
Complete systematic close reading of three classics: conduct in-depth textual analysis of The Great Gatsby, Of Mice and Men, and Death of a Salesman
Master literary theme analysis methods: learn to identify secondary themes and analyze how they support and enrich the central expression of the American Dream
Produce independent literary analysis writing: write a well-structured, well-argued thematic analysis essay on the American Dream by course end

Course Schedule

Tue / Thu
20:00 - 21:30 (SGT)
G8-G10
Online · Tencent Meeting
Available

Course Calendar (SGT)

Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
6
720:00
8
920:00
10
11
12
13
1420:00
15
1620:00
17
18
19
20
2120:00
22
2320:00
24
25
26
27
2820:00
29
3020:00
31
1
2
3
420:00
5
620:00
7
8
9
10
1120:00
12
1320:00
14
15
16
The American Dream · 1.5 hours per session · 12 sessions

Course Materials

The Great Gatsby selected chapters handout (with Chinese annotations)
Of Mice and Men selected chapters handout (with Chinese annotations)
Death of a Salesman selected chapters handout (with Chinese annotations)
American Dream thematic analysis writing guide and sample essays
Material 1
Material 2
Material 3

Course Demo

Course Info

Teacher
Helene
Format
Online Small Group
Duration
2 times/week · 1.5h each · 12 classes
Class Size
3-4 students

The American Dream

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