Since its colonial beginnings, America’s idea of itself and its place in the world has been shaped by a belief in the importance of the individual, the value of progress, and the possibility of prosperity for every American.  The great writers of America are all concerned with America's sense of itself, though all respond differently to the American idea.  Focusing on specific historical issues, the course will explore the ways in which American literature reflects and judges the beliefs that form the American idea and shape America's sense of itself.