LITR 4231 Early American Literature 2014 final exam—Index to Sample Answers (final exam assignment)

Essay 1: 1-hour+ essay on overall learning experience (details below) 

Jonathon Anderson, The Absurdity of Grand Unified Theories

Josh Cobb, American Ideology and the Individual Reformer

Thomas Dion, Moving Forward by Taking a Step Back

Carmen Rosella Halbison, Early American Literature: A Window of Opportunity

Dawn Iven, Gothic in Early America

Danielle Meza, excerpt on Olaudah Equiano

Elizabeth Nolen, Newly Found Appreciation

Cassandra Rea, Women Writers: How they Influenced Literature

Sarah Robin Roelse, Origins, Origins, Everywhere!

Elizabeth Sorensen, My Learning Experience

Essay 2: (options; for more details, keep scrolling down)

2a. 1-hour+ essay on competing definitions of "Literature"

Danielle Meza, The Adaptation of Literature Throughout the Ages

2b. 1-hour+ essay reviewing & comparing 3-4 periods of study

Jonathon Anderson, “The bud disappears when the blossom breaks through”

Tiffany Robinson, A Literary Journey Across the Ages

Combo 2b ("Which America?") & 2c ("Periods")

Thomas Dion, Culture Wars: Give Me Some Shelter

2c. 1-hour+ essay on "which America to teach?"

Elizabeth Sorensen, Which America Do I Teach?

2d. 1-hour+ essay on most challenging or inspiring idea or content in course + resolution.

Cohen P. Landry, Bridging The Gap: Collective Ideas and Creations

Sarah Robin Roelse, The Founding Mothers of Our Nation

Optional short essay #3 describing and evaluating Charlotte Temple & Edgar Huntly.

Elizabeth Sorensen, Charlotte Temple and Edgar Huntly