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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 Introduction

What is Children's Literature?


The History of Children's Literature

An introductory lecture tracing the roots of children's literature from the oral tradition through the "Golden Age."

Lecture Links:
  • The Cave Paintings of Lascaux
  • ​The Origins of Human Language
  • ​Joseph Campbell and the Hero's Journey
  • ​ATU Classification Tree
  • ​Newberry's Pocket Book

The Songs of Infancy: Nursery Rhymes


The Stories of Childhood: Picture Books

childlit_-_wild_things_analysis_-_f21.docx
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where_the_wild_things_are.pdf
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the_world_through_picture_books.pdf
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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"

childlit_-_grimms_cinderella_-_s20.docx
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childlit_-_cinderella_2015_-_analysis_-_s21.docx
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cls21_-_cinderella_dq_pt2.docx
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Cinderella Across Cultures
​"Cinderella" (1950, Disney Animated Version: Slipper Scene)
"Cinderella" Web Link (PDF)


The "Golden Age" of Children's Literature

Introduction to the Golden Age of Children's Literature

Coming of Age Stories: "A White Heron" by Sarah Orne Jewett

childlit_-_lecture_notes_-_jewett_-_f18_-_1x.docx
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childlit_-_a_white_heron_-_f18.docx
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childlit_-_group_analysis-_heron_-_f18.docx
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cls21_-_white_heron_analysis.docx
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​"A White Heron" Story Analysis and Discussion Worksheet

Adventure Stories: "White Fang" by Jack London

"White Fang" Story-Type Discussion 

Magical Realism: Beasts of the Southern Wild

"Beasts of the Southern Wild" Discussion Questions
​Mapping Isle de Jean Charles
​Mississippi Levee Construction Historic Film
cls21_-_group_analysis-_bosw1.docx
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Literature for Young Adults

Introduction to Modernism

Modernist Short Stories: William Faulkner's "A Rose for Emily"

childlit_-_a_rose_for_emily_-_s20.docx
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cls21_-_dqs_-_faulkners_emily.docx
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Google Form: ChildLit - Discussion Questions - A Rose for Emily

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

childlit_-_syllabus_-_s21.docx
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"A White Heron" RCQ

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.
Picture
Zipes, Jack, et al. The Norton Anthology of Children's Literature: The Traditions in English. New York: Norton, 2005.
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Horning, Kathleen T. From Cover to Cover: Evaluating and Reviewing Children's Books. New York: Harper-Collins, 1997.
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Lukens, Rebecca J. et al. A Critical Handbook of Children's Literature. Ninth Edition. London: Little, Brown, 2012.

Additional Resources

​Mother Goose's Melody
The Grimm Brothers' Dark Tales
Wonky Donkey

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  • Home
    • Other Classes
  • AAC-SP23
  • ENG-219
  • ENG-301
  • ENG-302
  • Contact Me