What are the major THEMES in American Literature?

Question

I have to write an extensive curriculum regarding American literature. This was not my forte in grad school, but with the right responses, I should get on the right track.

Answer 1

The American Dream.

Answer 2

American Lit. has the same themes as any other concentration area, with the exception of The American Dream, but that could translate to The English, Indian, British, African, and so on, dream.

Common Themes in Literature

The American Dream

The Development and Image of the Hero

The Meaning of Freedom

Individuality

Death and How To Deal With It

Religion and Faith

The Power of One

Human Relationship

Liberty and Authority

Community and Responsibility

Challenge and Success

Innocence and Experience

Guilt

Choices and Possibilities

Friendship

Family

Love

Life, society or human nature, are the generalized themes of all literature.  

Answer 3

Also, what is an American?  (i.e. Jean Michelle Guillame De Crevecoeur's concept to that of today) and What are American ideals? Plus Native American oral creation myths, etc...just adding to previous contributor....literary movements like Transcendentalism, Anti-Transcendentalism, etc.