This course will examine some classic and modern texts in which protagonists appear in a marginal position between childhood and adulthood. The prevalent feelings in adolescence are insecurity, hostility towards outer world, interrogation of conventional values and protest against parental authority. Two central existential issues adolescents must cope with are death and sexuality. We will explore these aspects in texts about young people as well as novels directly written for young audience, the so-called Young Adult fiction. Among the authors discussed are Jane Austen, Louisa M. Alcott, Mark Twain, J. D. Salinger, and Katherine Paterson.
Collaborative work is highly encouraged.
The course offers a general introduction to children's literature, focusing on its literary rather than its educational aspects. Among the texts discussed are classics such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Anne of Green Gables, The Wizard of Oz and The Secret Garden, as well as contemporary novels such as Bridge to Terabithia and The Giver. This course has Blackboard support. While open to students with other majors, this class is primarily intended for Liberal Studies Majors. As a survey course, English 306A introduces you to several kinds of children's literature, to literary terminology and analysis, and to the implications of children's literature for individuals and for society.