CIN-14991 Pelletier E. - Département des littératures

Département des littératures
Faculté des lettres et des sciences humaines
Professor: Liani Lochner
Semester: Fall 2015
ANG – 2006: CHILDREN’S LITERATURE
Course Description and Objectives
This course takes an historical approach to introduce students to the traditions and key characteristics of
literature created for and read by children and young adults. As an area of inquiry in literary studies, the
study of children’s literature is shaped by both changing definitions of childhood and of the role of
literature in society. This class will address some of the main concerns raised by the perceived
socializing function of children’s literature and the transmission of cultural values: this includes, but is
not limited to, representations of gender, sexuality, violence, and death, the use of foul language, and
related issues of censorship. A key focus of this course will be on drawing parallels between archetypal
characters, settings, and plot developments (etc.) in children’s and adult literatures. The aim is to
enhance students’ ability to independently read and interpret literature in both its textual and visual
manifestations, to develop their language skills in written and spoken English, and to give them
valuable practice in demonstrating these abilities in both formal and informal evaluations.
 Pedagogical Approach:
This class combines lectures, general class discussion, and small group participation with a focus on
the close reading and interpretation of individual works within its socio-historical context and its
place in the field of children’s literature in general. Students are encouraged to put forward ideas and
to contribute to the ensuing debates and should be prepared to participate by reading in advance the
work(s) that will be discussed each week. Students are expected to attend all classes and are
responsible for all information and instruction provided in them.
 Quality of Language:
Quality of English will be one of the factors in evaluating work. Lectures and group discussions are
held in English. During exams no bilingual dictionaries are permitted, but students will have access
to a class set of English dictionaries.
 Evaluation:
Participation Assignments: 15%; In-class Test: 25%; Group Project: 25%; Final Exam: 35%
Required Texts:
The Norton Anthology of Children’s Literature: The Traditions in English edited by Jack Zipes et al.
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon
 The Norton Anthology is available at the Coop Zone Bookstore on campus; all other texts are
available at La Maison Anglaise, Place de la Cité. All texts are also available on the Reserve Section
in the Library.
 Plagiat / voir Règlement des études www.lit.ulaval.ca/index.php?id=493
 L’usage de la nouvelle orthographe est permis à condition que l’étudiant l’ait dûment signalé dans son travail, sans quoi les
graphies jusque-là considérées comme incorrectes seront pénalisées.
Échelle de conversion de notes (1er cycle)
Excellent :
Très bon :
Bon :
A+ = 94-100
B+ = 82-84
C+ = 72-74
A = 89-93
B = 78-81
C = 68-71
A– = 85-88
B– = 75-77
C– = 65-67
Passable :
Insuffisant :
D+ = 61-64
E = 0-54
Bon :
Insuffisant :
C+ = 72-74
E = 0-67
D = 55-60
Échelle de conversion de notes (2e et 3e cycles)
Excellent :
Très bon :
A+ = 94-100
B+ = 82-84
A = 89-93
B = 78-81
A– = 85-88
B– = 75-77
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