Emphasis will be placed on major authors and movements from 1744 to 1908 and on what these reveal about changing attitudes toward children and the corresponding changes in the literature written for them. I to the present, with emphasis upon what these reveal about changing attitudes toward children and young people and the literature written for them. An investigation of myths from many cultures, demonstrating individual responses to universal questions of human existence. Students will respond critically to the various theories of myth through their reading and analysis of myths as literature. Reading and analysis of printed tales, legends and ballads using the tools of folklore scholarship.
Students also collect and analyze oral materials.
An examination of literature for adolescents, emphasizing criteria for selection and evaluation, along with consideration of audience, genre and censorship. Students will be expected to read and respond critically to historical and contemporary literature written for adolescents. Topics will be announced each year. Not more than six hours of special topics courses may be applied toward the degree.