Children's Literature Minor

An introductory study of literary terminology and the major genres of American, British, European, and multicultural literature. Focuses on critical reading and intelligent appreciation of literature and of the ways of writing about literature.

An introduction to the study of a wide variety of children's literature, including picture books, novels, poetry, and folklore. Focus on critical analysis of texts, employing a variety of literary theoretical perspectives, close readings, and contemporary research. Also examines the historical constructions of childhood, uses within the elementary classroom, and social response to children's literature. Meets the Liberal Studies requirement for Children's literature.

A consideration of children's classics, including but not limited to texts from "Golden Age" of children's literature, approximately 1865-1914. Focus on critical analysis of texts, employing a variety of literary theoretical perspectives, close readings, and contemporary research. Also examines the historical constructions of childhood and social responses to children's literature. Students will examine the texts in light of literary, historical, social contexts.

A close examination of selected folklore and fairy tales from various cultural or literary traditions. Focus on interpretation and analysis of individual texts, utilizing a variety of historical and contemporary critical approaches to reading, understanding, and researching folklore and fairy tales as a distinctive genre.

Introduction to literature designed to meet the unique needs of adolescents and young adults. Varied uses of literature such as poetry and short stories will be explored with intensive study of longer works of fiction and non-fiction.

Students will investigate how issues of culture affect beliefs and relationships among professionals and families with young children including children with disabilities and how multiple perspectives can affect child outcomes. Students will choose an area of interest to investigate using problem-based learning and present the result of their research to class members.

The literature of women and ethnic minorities. Recommended for Liberal Studies majors. At least one literature survey course recommended.

Neoclassical, Romantic, and Victorian literature in historical context.

This course offers students intensive study of print culture, particularly in regard to the history of the book, as found in American, British, and/or world literature. The course may focus on a particular genre, such as the novel, the autobiography, or the chapbook, or on a particular subgenre, such as the gothic or satirical novel. This study will also equip students to understand how books within the discipline of English shaped and were shaped by various historical, cultural, economic, philosophical, and social forces. It is recommended that at least one literature survey course be taken prior.

Linguistic theory and method. Includes the study of the five universal elements of language (phonology, morphology, semantics, syntax, and pragmatics) as well as the use of language and its variants in culture. Fieldwork required.

This course examines the principles of psychological, cognitive, physical, spiritual and social development from conception to adolescence. A Biblical view of growth and change throughout these developmental periods will be addressed.

The student will learn how to use drama and theatre activities both for and with children, and how they can incorporate drama into education by creating lesson plans and planning specific assignments. The student will also develop skills in oral interpretation and storytelling to become a more interesting and expressive teacher.