Student Population

This course is aimed toward undergraduate English literature majors enrolled in an online degree program who are interested in learning more about the genre of children’s literature - both academically and professionally - from a historical context. Children’s literature makes up nearly one-third of literature produced in the United States at present. Considering both the rich history and modern popularity of children's literature, English students should receive a minimum of one course in their education in the genre whether it be for the purpose of curiosity, enjoyment, school, hobby or professional writing. An undergraduate English degree is wide open and vast as far as the direction a graduate can take it once conferred. Perhaps an undergraduate English major may want to eventually earn a PhD in literature which allows for a branching of many arenas and genres. Or maybe they want to be a public school teacher, high school tutor, librarian, writer, or work for a publishing house as a book editor. Either way, children’s literature exists as an option in any of these fields and bachelor degree students studying literature deserve familiarly with all of the literary genres available to pursue in their future. It is assumed with the student population for this course that there is no background or adult familiarity with children's literature on a personal reading level. It is also assumed that students in the program intend to have at least some involvement with either children or literature that may entice children, and are therefore further exploring their options. The objectives, activities, and assessments in the course are designed for a diverse population with limited direct experience with children's literary classics.

Photo Citation:

Children book. [Photograph]. Licensed by Bigstock on September 18, 2015. Retrieved from

http://www.bigstockphoto.com/image-85956212/stock-photo-children-book