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."
The Songs of Infancy: Nursery Rhymes
The Stories of Childhood: Picture Books
Online Resources:
Curious George The Velveteen Rabbit "Winnie the Pooh and Piglet Nearly Catch a Woozle" Video: Disney "Tortoise and Hare" (1934) Video: "Peter Rabbit" Trailer Video: "The Secret Life of Pets" Snowball Highlights Origins: Folk and Fairy Tales"Cinderella"
"Cinderella" Web Link (PDF)MidtermThe "Golden Age" of Children's Literature"Alice in Wonderland" by Lewis Carrol
Popular Genres of Adolescent FictionComing of Age Stories: "A White Heron" by Sarah Orne Jewett
Adventure Stories: Coming SoonFantasy and Science Fiction: Coming SoonHistorical Fiction: Coming SoonCurrent Trends in Children's LiteratureArchetype and Stereotype: "Zootopia"
New Directions in Children's LiteratureFinal Exam Instructions |
Course Documents
Primary TextsThe 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.
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