Examines literary works of African-American, Native- American, Arab-American, Asian-American, and Latino/Hispanic authors. Focuses on such themes as the American experience; self and family, self and religion, self and culture, self and nature; culture conflict; war and peace. Compares and contrasts the styles and techniques of the authors. Focuses on social, philosophical, spiritual, and ethical values of the literature. Develops criteria for evaluating literature.