Welcome!This course is a survey of the history, sociological import, and various forms of children’s literature within the larger canon of English literature. We will look at the underlying tensions between meaning and method, the historical background, and the rhetorical techniques unique to the genre. Along the way we will touch on larger topics such as critical approaches to children’s stories, the history of childhood as a concept, and perspectives on child rearing and education.
Course IntroductionWhat is Children's Literature?The History of Children's LiteratureAn introductory lecture tracing the roots of children's literature from the oral tradition through the "Golden Age."
Lecture Links: The Songs of Infancy: Nursery RhymesThe Stories of Childhood: Picture Books
Online Resources:
Orbis Pictus Curious George The Velveteen Rabbit Green, Eggs, and Ham Video: Disney "Tortoise and Hare" (1934) Video: "Peter Rabbit" Trailer Video: "The Secret Life of Pets" Snowball Highlights Video: "Where the Wild Things Are" Origins: Folk and Fairy Tales"Cinderella"
Cinderella Across Cultures
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Adventure Stories: "White Fang" by Jack London
Magical Realism: Beasts of the Southern Wild
"Beasts of the Southern Wild" Discussion Questions
Mapping Isle de Jean Charles
Mississippi Levee Construction Historic Film
Mapping Isle de Jean Charles
Mississippi Levee Construction Historic Film
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Literature for Young Adults
Introduction to Modernism
Modernist Short Stories: William Faulkner's "A Rose for Emily"
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Memoir: "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank
New Directions in Children's Literature
Exam Information
Midterm Exam Instructions
Final Exam Instructions
Course Documents
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Primary Texts
The texts for the class will be distributed by the instructor. There is no need to purchase these expensive books. I merely display them here for your information.
Zipes, Jack, et al. The Norton Anthology of Children's Literature: The Traditions in English. New York: Norton, 2005.
Horning, Kathleen T. From Cover to Cover: Evaluating and Reviewing Children's Books. New York: Harper-Collins, 1997.
Lukens, Rebecca J. et al. A Critical Handbook of Children's Literature. Ninth Edition. London: Little, Brown, 2012.