ENGL 3830 - Literature for the Intermediate Reader

An exploration of human and literary values in the best of children’s works for preadolescents. Emphasis is on critical sensitivity and techniques necessary for interpreting and evaluating works representative of the major forms of children’s literature for the older reader. Discussion will focus on narrative forms and on how the more experienced reader comes to prose and poetry. Novels will be explored both in terms of literary structure and content and in terms of what makes a piece of literature work for children. Genres such as historical fiction, realistic fiction, nonfiction, fantasy, and survival literature will be considered. Ever growing complexity in structure and content will be evaluated as they relate to child’s biological, psychological, and mental development, and in the context of cultural and historical change. How media influence literature will be explored as well as the changing population of child-readers and what that means for book production.

Prerequisites & Corequisites: Prerequisite: ENGL 1100 or sophomore status.

Credits: 4 hours

When Offered: Fall, Spring