Curriculum Review: American Literature by BJU Press

American Literature by BJU Press is a comprehensive and engaging survey of American literary works from colonial times to the present day. This textbook is designed for high school students and offers a thorough exploration of American literary history, including an analysis of various literary movements, genres, and themes. It is written from a Christian worldview perspective.

Textbook Overview:

• The book begins with an overview of Native American literature and the colonial period, examining the works of important figures such as William Bradford, Anne Bradstreet, and Mary Rowlandson. It then moves on to the revolutionary and early national periods, covering authors such as Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, and Phillis Wheatley.
• The textbook also delves into the Romantic period, examining the works of writers such as Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Herman Melville. Additionally, the book explores the impact of the Civil War on American literature and the emergence of the Realist movement in the late 19th century.
• One of the strengths of this textbook is its inclusion of lesser-known works and authors. The book features a wide range of literary voices, providing a diverse and well-rounded perspective on American literature.
• Throughout the text, the authors provide helpful historical and cultural context for each work, which helps readers better understand each piece.
• Additionally, the book features helpful study questions and discussion prompts, allowing students to deepen their understanding of each work.

Teacher’s Edition Overview (published in two volumes):

• The teacher’s edition of American Literature by BJU Press is a valuable resource for educators teaching this course. It includes additional material and resources to assist teachers in planning and delivering lessons that align with the curriculum and meet educational standards.
• The teacher’s edition provides comprehensive lesson plans for each chapter, including objectives, materials needed, and step-by-step instructions for each activity. These lesson plans are designed to help teachers effectively present the material and engage students in meaningful discussions and activities.
• Additionally, the teacher’s edition includes answers to the study questions and discussion prompts in the student edition, as well as helpful tips for grading and assessing student progress. This resource is especially helpful for homeschooling parents or teachers who may not have extensive experience teaching American literature.
• The teacher’s edition also includes supplementary materials, such as additional texts, writing worksheets, and writing rubrics for grading writing assignments. These materials are designed to help teachers evaluate students’ critical thinking skills and ability to analyze and interpret literary works.

Tests Overview:

• In addition to the textbook and teacher’s edition, BJU Press also offers a separate American Literature Tests and Answer Key that can be purchased. The tests include chapter tests, mid-term exams, and a final exam that cover the material presented in the textbook.
• The tests are designed to assess students’ understanding and comprehension of the literary works and concepts presented in each chapter. The chapter tests include a mix of multiple-choice, true/false, and short-answer questions, while the mid-term and final exams are more comprehensive and include essay questions.
• Purchasing the American Literature Tests and Answer Key can be a helpful addition to the textbook and teacher’s book, providing educators with additional assessment tools to evaluate students’ progress and understanding of the material.