The authors of this book examined the teaching plans and curriculum systems of American literature courses in numerous universities in China today. Based on the quality, knowledge, and ability requirements for English majors outlined in the *Teaching Guide for Undergraduate Foreign Languages and Literature Majors in Regular Higher Education Institutions (Volume 1) – Teaching Guide for English Majors*, and drawing on their own experience teaching American literature for over twenty years, the authors have deeply considered and meticulously designed the size, content, sequence, chapter framework, and emphasis of this textbook, striving to achieve the goal of "author's dedication and reader-friendliness." When literature reflects reality, readers' understanding of literary works will become more insightful, and they will also reflect on the social significance and social responsibility that literature bears.
本书编著者考察了当今国内众多高校美国文学课的教学计划与课程体系，以《普通高等学校本科外国语言文学类专业教学指南(上)——英语类专业教学指南》对英语专业学生的素质要求、知识要求及能力要求为依托，结合自己美国文学课二十余年的讲授经验，对本教材的体量大小、涵盖内容、衔接顺序、章节框架以及详略轻重等进行了深入的思考和缜密的设计，力求实现“作者尽心、读者友好”的初衷。当文学照进现实，读者对文学作品的理解会更鞭辟入里，同时也会思考文学的社会意义以及担负的社会责任。
本书编著者考察了当今国内众多高校美国文学课的教学计划与课程体系，以《普通高等学校本科外国语言文学类专业教学指南(上)——英语类专业教学指南》对英语专业学生的素质要求、知识要求及能力要求为依托，结合自己美国文学课二十余年的讲授经验，对本教材的体量大小、涵盖内容、衔接顺序、章节框架以及详略轻重等进行了深入的思考和缜密的设计，力求实现“作者尽心、读者友好”的初衷。当文学照进现实，读者对文学作品的理解会更鞭辟入里，同时也会思考文学的社会意义以及担负的社会责任。
