Reading has the ability to take readers on a journey to a time and place different from their reality. Imagine living during the unfathomable era of slavery, being a member of the social elite in the roaring twenties, or living on Chicago’s Southside before the Civil Rights Act. How do those experiences connect to our contemporary world? Through samples from American Literature, both classic and contemporary, you will engage in the exploration of themes such as, but not limited to, “coming of age”, “the American dream”, “the lure of adventure”, “freedom and dignity”, and “self in society”. In doing so, we will grapple with issues of American culture both historically and currently. You will continue to expand your toolbox of communication skills and understand the power of your voice in our increasingly diverse society.