「美國文學一」旨在為大學部學生提供自美國文學起源至1865年期間，英語美國詩歌、散文與小說的整體背景。總體而言，本課程透過文學作品協助學生更深入理解美國的歷史、社會與文化，進而更透徹地認識美國是如何成為今日的樣貌。因此，所選編的作家皆為其作品最能配合此一教學方法，同時又能代表最具影響力的美國文學主題與傳統。

課堂時間將主要用於探討文化、歷史與社會背景，以及討論指定閱讀選篇。課程中也將視情況穿插播放電影與影片。

American Literature I is designed to provide undergraduate students with a general background in English-language American poetry, prose, and fiction from their beginnings to 1865. Overall, the course uses literary works to help students develop a greater understanding of American history, society and culture, to better understand how the United States has become what it is today. The chosen writers therefore are those whose works best lend themselves to such an approach while also representing the most influential American literary themes and traditions.
Class time will be devoted primarily to considerations of the cultural, historical and social background as well as discussions of assigned reading selections. Movies and videos will be included as appropriate.