L390 5141 BARBARA BOLZ
Children’s Literature

Lecture:
10:10a- 11:00a MW (143 students) 3 CR. - Satisfies A&H Distribution Requirement

Discussion:
5142 8:00a- 8:50a F (24 students)
5143 9:05a- 9:55a F (23 students)
5144 10:10a-11:00a F (24 students)
5145 11:15a-12:05p F (24 students)
5146 12:20p- 1:10p F (24 students)
5147 1:25p- 2:15p F (24 students)

The course is primarily a historical survey of what is widely considered the best that has been written for young readers. We will read fables, folk tales, myths, classic and contemporary children’s literature, children’s poetry, and even picture books for the very young. We will also delve a bit into a variety of approaches to understanding children’s literature, including some feminist and some psychoanalytical approaches, though we will primarily adhere to a new critical approach to the literature. After taking L390, you should be able to analyze children’s literature, understand the major trends in literature written for children through the centuries, and differentiate between great, good, and mediocre children’s literature.

Reading: Selections from Classics of Children’s Literature and of course including Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Treasure Island, Little Women; we will also read Harriet the Spy, Charlotte’s Web, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, Harry Potter, and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Work load: Two short papers (2-3 pages), two long papers (one 3-4 page, one 4-5 pages), 10 unannounced quizzes, regular lecture and discussion attendance, midterm examination, final examination, and an illustrated picture book.