HUM 251-01 - Theoretical Approaches to Children’s and Young Adult Literature

4 credits (Fall)

Cross-listed as: GLS 251-01. This course will take a theoretical approach to canonical and contemporary children’s literature. In 2015, “Theoretical Approaches to Children’s and Young Adult Literature” will focus on the “problem novel” for teens (ages 13-18), its evolution in the United States, and its manifestations in other cultures and nations. This year we will consider translated teen fiction from Scandinavia after reading and discussing the American problem novel and its development in the twentieth century. Are the concerns of teenagers presented universally to readers of different cultures? Or do national or cultural mores take precedence when writing for teens?

Prerequisite: A course in English or another course in literature.
Instructor: Herold