Children's Literature I. A survey of the history of children's books, books for very young children, picture books and illustrators, short fiction, folk tales, fables, myths and epics, historical fiction and biography. A study of realistic fiction, fantasy, young adult literature, poetry and informational books. A study of the author's plays with special attention devoted to major and better-known works. Intensive study of the principles of composition through the analysis of examples from classic and modem writings and practice in the application of those principles.
Emphasis is placed on rhetorical organization and the techniques of expository writing.
Students devote much time to writing and editing their own work. History and Grammar of the English Language. Topics include the basic features of human language, a historical study of English, and a study of English phonology, morphology, and syntax. Advanced Survey of American Literature I. A study of the development of American literature from its beginnings to the late nineteenth century. A study of the development of American literature from the late nineteenth century to the present.