Coming to America

 

Introduction

In order to understand a lot of American literature, you’ve got to understand that this is the first country founded right on top of wilderness. Wild areas run through all of American writing.

 

Idea

Imagine you are coming to this country back in the 1600’s. You only have what exists at that time. You only know what folks know at the time.

 

You need to land the boat, establish the fort, and get everyone ready to last the winter.

 

The Assignment

Next Friday, your group will need to hand in three written pieces and one oral presentation.

 

• One story written from the point of view of a settler that deals with the wilderness

 

• One document that explains what you brought, who you brought, what happens and where you landed You land in August. This weekly journal continues until spring (Easter).

 

• A bibliography of sources.

 

Oral presentation

In front of the class, you will need to explain

 

• who you brought,

• what you brought,

• what your fort was like,

• what you did to survive,

• What did the settlers believe.