English and American Literatures is the workbook for self-study and as a basis for introductory courses in English and American literary studies. Here you will find compact basic knowledge about: - the analysis of lyrical, narrative, and dramatic texts - methods and theories of literary studies - the preparation for presentations, term papers, and exams The volume is written in English and tailored to the conditions at universities in German-speaking countries. Numerous examples, guiding questions, checklists, and exercises provide helpful tools for the systematic reading and scholarly interpretation of literature from the first semester on.