ENGL 3180

Through exploration of children’s literature of the last three centuries representing a range of experiential perspectives, students demonstrate critical understanding of changing perceptions of childhood, an advanced ability to critically and creatively evaluate and articulate the complexities of rhetorical strategies and assumptions used by writers, and mastery of independent research and application of existing knowledge. Students investigate and analyze how literature aimed at children was used to differentiate them from adults (and to challenge such a distinction), and to entertain and socialize them on issues relevant to their lives. Students explore connections between children’s literature and adult cultural traditions, and the importance of hybrid audiences. Students illustrate proficiency in scholarly writing with clear, persuasive, grammatically-correct style and appropriate documentation skills.