Course

Studies in Children’s Literature

Important Notice

This course is not active. Please contact Department Chair for more information.

Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Department
English
Course Code
ENGL 1112
Credits
3.00
Semester Length
15 weeks
Max Class Size
35
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Typically Offered
To be determined

Overview

Course Description
This course introduces students to significant works of literature specifically intended for children. In addition, it examines some traditional influences on children's literature, such as folk and fairy tales.
Course Content

All first-year English literature courses share the following features:

  1. Students are instructed in the writing of critical essays on literary subjects.
  2. Students are taught to recognize and understand a variety of literary devices and textual elements, such as metaphor, symbolism, distinctions between author and narrator/narrating persona, and issues of language and of structure, as appropriate to the genres and texts studied.
  3. Readings and topics vary among sections of the same course, according to each instructor’s selection; however, all course materials are consistent with the objectives of the course. 

In English 1112, students will examine at least two novels as well as some of the following:

  1. Traditional literature, such as folk tales, fairy tales, and myths
  2. Early didactic/instructional works (prose and/or poetry)
  3. Children’s verse (poetry and nursery rhymes)
  4. Picture books
  5. Drama
  6. Short fiction
Learning Activities

Some or all of the following methods will be used:

  1. Lecture/discussion
  2. Group work
  3. Peer review
  4. Instructor feedback on students’ work
  5. Individual consultation
Means of Assessment
  1. A minimum of two formal academic essays, with a combined value of at least 40% of the course grade.
  2. A minimum of 80% of the course grade will be based on writing assignments (essays, essay-based exams, journals, paragraphs). A maximum of 20% of the course grade may be based on informal writing (quizzes, short answer tests); oral reports/presentations; participation/preparation grades; and/or other non writing-intensive assignments.
  3. A minimum of 15% of the course grade will be based on in-class writing (essay or exam).
Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of any first-year English literature course, the successful student should be able to

  1. read receptively and reflectively, with sensitivity to the subtleties of language;
  2. recognize and understand literary devices;
  3. practice writing as a process involving pre-writing, drafting, revising and editing;
  4. write an essay of literary analysis that develops an interpretive thesis supported by appropriate and correctly cited evidence; and
  5. give and receive constructive criticism on written work.

Upon completion of English 1112, the successful student should also be able to

  1. read with an awareness of the intended child audience;
  2. understand key issues in children’s literature, such as didacticism and social attitudes towards children and childhood, as reflected in literary texts; and,
  3. where appropriate, identify typical features of literary genres and modes, such as realism and fantasy, and discuss their effect on plot, character and theme.
Textbook Materials

Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students

Sample reading list:

  • Craddock, Secret of the Cards
  • Hallett and Karasek (eds.), Folk and Fairy Tales
  • Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
  • Lowry, The Giver
  • Macdonald, The Princess and the Goblin
  • Paterson, Bridge to Terabithia

Requisites

Prerequisites

A minimum score on the Douglas College writing assessment, or equivalent, as per the College calendar.

Corequisites

No corequisite courses.

Equivalencies

No equivalent courses.

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers

These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca

Institution Transfer Details for ENGL 1112
There are no applicable transfer credits for this course.

Course Offerings

Winter 2025