The multiple aims of the course are, firstly, to introduce students to the most significant tendencies and authors in 19th century American literature, secondly, to observe the cultural awareness of 19th century America, and, finally, to correlate the first two aims and to trace their literary appearance as factors influencing social consciousness. The selection is based on a wide spectrum of themes reflecting the social, cultural changes after the War of Independence. Students will learn about the major trends and movements of the 19^th century such as American Romanticism, Transcendentalism, Realism and Naturalism and see how these texts shaped as well as reflected the American identity