This guide is a sampler of ideas and activities based on 22 minimum objectives in speech, reading, writing, and research that have been identified for American literature study. Many of the activities involve an integration of several skills that are cross-referenced to other skills in the margins of the guide. A separate section on research skills provides suggestions for topics, management of the process, evaluation of the product, and an essay on the reluctant researcher. The section on classroom management focuses on class openings, involving students in decision making, group work, film usage, resources, teaching a major work, and effective questioning techniques. Five appendixes include the following: (1) lists of major works and ethnic writers, (2) a list of films suitable for American literature study, (3) a student log for writing assignments, (4) a description of a team-taught American studies curriculum that incorporates history and literature, and (5) a list of the Florida minimum performance standards and skills in reading and writing for the eleventh grade. (EL)