CHILDREN’S LITERATURE
COURSE NUMBER & SECTION
Course Outline
Instructor’s information
Name: Dr. Elaine Brown
Office Location: Balding House, Room 101A
Telephone: (516) 686-7557 or 686-1190; messages will be taken Mon.-Fri. 9:00-5:00
E-mail: ebrown01@nyit.edu
Office hours:
Course information
Term and date: Fall 2009/December 2009
Course Number and section:
Credits: 3
Meeting times:
Building and room number:
Prerequisites and co-requisites: WRIT 151 or its equivalent
REQUIRED TEXTS
Babbitt, Natalie, Tuck Everlasting. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1985.
ISBN 978-0-312-36981-1
Burnett, Frances Hodgson, A Little Princess. New York: Penguin, 1990.
ISBN 978-0-451-52509-3
Griffith, John W. and Charles Frey, Classics of Children’s Literature. 6th ed.
New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2000.
ISBN 978-0-555-00725-9
Hinton, S.E., The Outsiders. New York: Penguin, 1997.
ISBN 978-0-140-38572-4
Lewis, C.S., The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Harper Collins, Full Color
Collector’s Edition.
ISBN 978-0-064-40942-1
Myers, Walter Dean, Scorpions. New York: Harper Collins, 1988.
ISBN 978-0-064-90623-9
Munoz Ryan, Pam, Esperanza Rising. New York: Scholastic Press, 2000.
ISBN 978-0-439-12042-5
Napoli, Donna Jo, The Magic Circle. New York: Penguin, 1995.
ISBN 978-0-140-37439-1
Russell, David L., Literature for Children: A Short Introduction. 6th ed. New York:
Longman, 2004. (This textbook contains a very useful selected bibliography.)
ISBN 0-205-41033-2
Materials and supplies
A notebook.
Course description from catalog
In this advanced course, students will study selected children’s literature from the nineteenth
century to the present. A variety of genres, including fairytales, fantasy, fables and adventure
stories are examined, each in the light of literary, historical, archetypal, feminist and
psychological themes. Writing is an integral component of the course. Prerequisite: WRIT-151
or WRIT-161.
Course goals and introduction
In this course you will read many classics of children’s literature from the 17th century to the
present. Included are some of the most enduring works of children’s literature in the Englishspeaking tradition. This course will be divided into four areas of study 1) fairytales and their
permutations, 2) fantasy, 3) adventure stories and 4) animal tales fables. We will examine the
themes and situations that make children’s literature distinct and important and look to the
serious consideration of human issues contained in them. We will also study their masterful use
of language and see childhood through the lens of imagination of many authors in the Western
tradition.
Learning outcomes and instruments of assessment
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Read, analyze and discuss a variety of children’s literature genres such as fairytales,
fantasies, adventure stories, and animal tales/fables.
2. Analyze and discuss literary critical approaches to children’s literature such as formal,
historical, feminist, archetypal, and psychoanalytical perspectives.
3. Write analytical/interpretive papers in response to children’s literature using these
approaches.
4. Discuss relationships between the authors’ lives and world views, and themes and
intellectual issues in their work.
5. Discuss and analyze the intersection of text and illustration in texts for young readers as
well as film adaptations of literary texts.
6. Write a research paper that supports a thesis incorporating literary criticism, evidence
from texts, contextual information (for example, historical, political, ethical, religious or
philosophical) and proper documentation.
7. Make an oral presentation based on the student’s research.
Methods of assessment will include:
1. Analytical/Interpretive Paper #1 (will assess literary, critical/analytical thinking, and
communication)
2. Midterm Exam (will assess critical/analytical thinking, communication, interdisciplinary
thinking, ability to analyze ethical/moral questions)
3. Analytical/Interpretive Paper #2 (will assess literary, critical/analytical thinking, and
communication)
4. Research Paper & Oral Report (Research Paper—will assess literary, critical/analytical
thinking, communication, and interdisciplinary thinking. Oral Report--will assess
critical/analytical thinking, communication, ability to analyze ethical/moral questions.)
5. Class Participation (will assess critical/analytical thinking, communication, ethical/moral
and citizenship appreciation)
6. Final Exam (will assess critical/analytical thinking, communication, interdisciplinary
thinking, ability to analyze ethical/moral questions)
Grading Formula
Analytical/Interpretive Paper #1
Midterm Exam
Analytical/Interpretive Paper #2
Research Paper & Oral Report
Class Participation
Final Exam
10%
20%
10%
30%
10%
20%
Grade Scale
A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, F
Description of assignments
Analytical/Interpretive Papers: Each student will write two analytical papers (3-4 pps) (due dates
on the syllabus). You will be asked to write about significant themes present in the assigned
literature using critical approaches defined and discussed in class.
Midterm Exam: Students will be asked to identify selected quotations from works on the syllabus
and write about important themes and ideas contained therein. Students will also be asked to
compare and contrast literary works on the syllabus in essay format.
Literary Research Paper: Each student will write a literary research paper on a topic related to the
literature studied in class. All topics must have the approval of the instructor; feel free to discuss
ideas with me throughout the semester. The paper is a traditional literary research paper that
should be 6-8 pages in length and use the MLA parenthetical citation method with MLA works
cited page.
Final Exam: The final exam will consist of at least five essay questions on literature read since
the midterm.
Policy for make-up exams and missed or late assignments
All papers should be turned in by the date specified on the syllabus. Late papers will be
downgraded a full letter grade for each calendar day late. Students may hand in work late or
make up missed exams in extenuating circumstances only with appropriate documentation (for
example, if there is a documented medical problem).
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to attend class regularly and on time. More than two unexcused absences
may result in your being withdrawn from the course. (An excused absence is one that is cleared
with the instructor ahead of time, if possible.) Class participation is very important.
Proper decorum must be observed during class. A positive atmosphere of respect will be
maintained. For example, cell phones should be turned off before class begins and students
should not in any way disrupt the expression of their peers. All discussions will be conducted
with civility.
You will receive a course calendar and assignment sheets during the semester. You are welcome
(indeed encouraged!) to drop by my office to discuss your assignments, related matters, etc.
Withdrawal policy
A student may withdraw from a course without penalty through the end of the 8 th week of class
during a 14- or 15-week semester and through the 8th meeting during an 8-week course cycle.
After this, the student must be doing passing work in order to receive a W grade. Students who
are not passing after the 8th week or equivalent will be assigned the grade of WF.
It is the student’s responsibility to inform the instructor of his/her intention to withdraw from a
course. If a student has stopped attending class without completing all assignments and/or
examinations, failing grades for the missing work may be factored into the final grade
calculation and the instructor for the course may assign the grade of WF. The grade of F is used
for students who have completed the course but whose quality of work is below the standard for
passing.
Withdrawal forms are available in departmental offices and once completed must be filed with
the registrar. Students should be reminded that a W notation could negatively impact their
eligibility for financial aid and/or V.A. benefits, as it may change the student’s enrollment status
(full-time, part-time, less than part-time). International students may also jeopardize their visa
status if they fail to maintain full-time status.
Academic integrity and plagiarism policies
Each student enrolled in a course at NYIT agrees that, by taking such course, he or she consents
to the submission of all required papers for textual similarity review to any commercial service
engaged by NYIT to detect plagiarism. Each student also agrees that all papers submitted to any
such service may be included as source documents in the service’s database, solely for the
purpose of detecting plagiarism of such papers.
Plagiarism is the appropriation of all or part of someone else’s works (such as but not limited to
writing, coding, programs, images, etc.) and offering it as one’s own. Cheating is using false
pretenses, tricks, devices, artifices or deception to obtain credit on an examination in a college
course. If a faculty member determines that a student has committed academic dishonesty by
plagiarism, cheating or in any other manner, the faculty has the academic right to 1) fail the
student for the paper, assignment, project and/or exam, and/or 2) fail the student for the course
and/or 3) bring the student up on disciplinary charges, pursuant to Article VI, Academic Conduct
Proceedings, of the Student Code of Conduct.
Library Resources
All students can access the NYIT virtual library from both on and off campus at
www.nyit.edu/library. The same login you use to access NYIT e-mail and NYIT Connect will
also give you access to the library’s resources from off campus.
On the left side of the library’s home page, you will find the “Library Catalog” and the “Fine
Journals” sections. In the middle of the home page you will find “Research Guides;” select
“Video Tutorials” to find information on using the library’s resources and doing research.
Should you have any questions, please look under “Library Services” to submit a web-based
“Ask-A-Librarian” form.
Additional resources for further learning
Please consult the extensive bibliographies at the end of every chapter of Literature for Children
as additional resources.
Support for students with disabilities
NYIT adheres to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the
rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504. The Office of Disability Services actively supports
students in the pursuit of their academic and career goals. Identification of oneself as an
individual with disability is voluntary and confidential.
Students wishing to receive
accommodations, referrals and other services are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability
Services as early in the semester as possible although requests can be made throughout the
academic year.
LITR 350
Course Syllabus
Dr. Elaine Brown
Fall 2009
Week One
Introduction to the Course.
Read Ch. 4 “Experiencing Literature” in Russell’s Literature for Children.
Background lecture followed by small group discussion of modes.
Week Two
Read Ch. 1 “The History of Children’s Literature” in LC.
Lecture on literary history of Children’s Literature in general.
Special focus on Fairytale Genre.
Read fairytales by Charles Perrault in Classics of Children’s Literature, “Cinderella,” “Sleeping
Beauty,” “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Blue Beard” and “Puss n’ Boots.”
Application of genre lecture to fairytales in a larger classroom discussion; small group discussion
of specific tales.
Week Three
Read Ch. 9 “Folk Literature”
Mini-lecture on folk literature and its relation to fairytales.
Read and discuss fairytales by the Brothers Grimm.
“The Robber Bridegroom,” “The Juniper Tree,” “Rumpelstilskin,” “Snow White,” “Sleeping
Beauty,” “Fisherman and His Wife,” “Bremen Town Musicians”
Short lecture on mythic backdrop for Mme. De Beaumont’s “Beauty and the Beast.”
Read and discuss aspect of this tale in small groups.
Week Four
Read selected fairytales by the Brothers Grimm for class discussion.
“The Wolf and Seven Little Kids,” “Rapunzel,” “Hansel and Gretel,” “Aschenputtel,” “Mother
Hulda”
Introduction to the work of Hans Christian Anderson—background lecture on the author’s life
and world view.
Read selected fairytales of Anderson for class discussion.
“The Ugly Duckling,” “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” “The Tin Soldier,” The Little Mermaid,”
“The Little Matchgirl,” “The Princess and the Pea,” “The Swineherd”
Compare themes, approaches, intellectual ideas presented in Perrault, Grimm, Anderson in small
group discussion.
Analytical/interpretive paper #1 due.
Week Five
Read and discuss Donna Jo Napoli’s The Magic Circle; examine its fairytale legacy in small
groups.
See http://www.notablebiographies.com/news/Li/Ou/Napoli-Donna-Jo.html
Read and discuss Frances Hodgson Burnett’s A Little Princess; examine its fairytale legacy in
small groups.
Week Six
Read and discuss Ch. 2 “The Study of Childhood” in LC.
MIDTERM EXAM
Week Seven
Ch. 3 “The Study of Literature” in LC. Ch. 10 “Fantasy” in LC.
Background lecture on Fantasy genre
Research/Library session to explore resources in Children’s literature.
Review of documentation procedures.
Week Eight
Read and discuss Natalie Babbitt’s Tuck Everlasting
Application of fantasy genre to Tuck in small group discussion.
Watch key scene from film adaptation and discuss its merits; discuss role of film in Children’s
Literature.
Background discussion on the life and art of C.S. Lewis.
See http://www.cslewis.org/about/
Week Nine
Read and discuss Lewis’ Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe.
Watch key scene from film adaptation.
Discuss role of films in Children’s Literature.
Week Ten
Introduction to Adventure Stories.
Read and discuss Ch. 11 in LC “Contemporary and Historical Realism.”
Background lecture on Samuel Clemens and late-nineteenth century American literature.
Background lecture on the history of satire.
Group discussion of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer in Classics of Children’s Literature.
Analytical/interpretive paper #2 due.
Week Eleven
Read and discuss 20th century classic S.E. Horton’s The Outsiders.
Small group discussion comparing and contrasting Tom Sawyer and The Outsiders
Week Twelve
Read and discuss Ch. 5 in LC “Cultural and Social Diversity.”
Background lecture on minority experience as portrayed in contemporary children’s literature.
Read and discuss Walter Dean Myers’ Scorpions.
Read and discuss P. Munoz Ryan’s Esperanza Rising.
Week Thirteen
Introduction to Animal Tales & Fables.
Background lecture on historical development of the genre.
Read and discuss E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web in Classics of Children’s Literature.
Read and discuss Ch. 6 “First Books” in LC.
Read and discuss Ch. 7 “The Art of Picture Books” in LC.
Read and discuss Potter’s The Tales of Peter Rabbit in Classics of Children’s Literature.
See The National Trust http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-beatrix_potter.html
Small group discussion on the role of illustration.
Classroom discussion of Contemporary Issues in Children’s Literature.
Week Fourteen
RESEARCH PAPERS DUE
Oral reports presenting student research to the class.
FINAL EXAM TBA