L390 2765 CHILDREN’S LITERATURE
Romayne Dorsey

11:30a-12:20p D (30 students) 3 cr.

L390 is an upper-division English Literature course designed to introduce adult readers to children’s literature and the interests of the field. In this particular section, we will explore our notions of childhood, in particular the role of imagination and fantasy in the lives of children and their relationship to literacy both textual and cultural. We will read several novels, several fairy tales and picture books as well as secondary materials provided on e-reserve and through other media. There will be one research paper, a researched presentation, reading/discussion forums on all readings, and two exams.

Possible texts include:
Edward Gorey, Amphigorey
Jack Zipes, tr., The Complete Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm
E.L. Konigsburg, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
Madaeleine L’Engle, A Wrinkle in Time
Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth
C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Lemony Snicket, The Bad Beginning
Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Maurice Sendak, Where the Wild Things Are