ENGH 526: Special Topics in the History and Criticism of Children's Literature

ENGH 526-001: Crit Study Children's Lit
(Spring 2027)

04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M

Horizon Hall 1009

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Section Information for Spring 2027

ENGH 526 - 001: Crit Study Children's Lit

Children's literature is (usually) about children, but it is not written by children or chosen by children as adults choose and buy books for themselves.  So children’s literature reflects adult fears and hopes about childhood as well as children’s own desires. Thinking historically about the genre will allow us to explore a paradox: since the 18th century, the child stands for Nature, for the ideal of living free of all social constraints, but at the same time, every social movement that cares about its values and its future directs at children its most intense ideological fire.  Reading will include John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Maria Edgeworth, the Grimms, Lewis Carroll, James Barrie, Frances Hodgeson Burnett, J.R.R. Tolkien, J.K. Rowling.  Writing will include a short preliminary paper on a topic relevant to your interests, an in-class presentation, and a longer final paper.

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Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Focuses on the history and criticism of children's literature by concentrating on selected historical periods and literary modes such as "Golden Age" children's literature, contemporary fantastic and children's literature, or Romantic and Victorian children's literature. Notes: May be repeated with permission of instructor. Offered by English. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

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