We'll read and disscuss an assortment of novels, memoirs, sermons, journals, treatises and other writings by American authors of the Colonial and Early National periods. Students will be expected to attend class regularly, keep up with reading assignments, and take part in open discussion. Written work will consist entirely of between five and ten brief in-class essays done in response to study questions handed out in advance. Texts: John Tanner, THE FALCON; Benjamin Franklin, THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN; Kammen, ed. ORIGINS OF THE AMERICAN CONSTITUTION; Charles Brockden Brown, WIELAND; Susanna Rowson, CHARLOTTE TEMPLE AND LUCY TEMPLE; Crevecoeur, LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN FARMER; Hannah Foster, THE COQUETTE; and Washington Irving, THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW AND OTHER STORIES.