10:10a-11:00a MW (142) 3 cr

Discussions:
2104 8:00a-8:50a F (21)
2105 9:05a-9:55a F (25)
2106 10:10a-11:00a F (25)
2107 11:15a-12:05p F (25)
2108 12:20p-1:10p F (25)
2109 1:25p-2:15p F (21)

In L390, we will explore the last three centuries of children's literature, focusing on British and American authors. We will study children's literature from three approaches: developmental, which addresses why certain literary forms, characters, and themes appeal to children; sociohistorical, which examines the changing conceptions of childhood shaping children's literature; and generic, which identifies the common plots, preoccupations, and conventions defining such popular genres as the historical novel, fairy tale, adventure novel, and poetry. Students will be asked to write two papers, take two exams, and participate regularly in discussion section. Readings will include Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Treasure Island, Charlotte's Web, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, and The Giver.