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What Should You Read Before Taking an American Renaissance Literature Class?
Working toward my master’s degree this semester, I took a course on the literature of the American Renaissance. My course covered the period of time between 1830 and the Civil War. I didn’t get my undergrad degree in literature, and I hadn’t read much from this period in over a decade.
I love a good course syllabus. As soon as I sign up for a class, I anticipate receiving the syllabus so I can optimistically look over the books I’m supposed to read. I usually hope I’ll read some of it before class starts for the semester . . . but I often don’t. If you are like me, you like knowing what to expect and how to prepare for a class.
So, I compiled a list of the readings I found most helpful during my course. Where possible, I linked to a free text so that you can either prepare for your course or do a little extra reading on your own.
Native Americans & Removal
Message to Congress on Indian Removal (1830) — Andrew Jackson
Black Hawk’s Surrender Speech (1832)
Letter to the Senate and House of Representatives (1836) — Chief John Ross
