CHL 209 Global Children’s Literature [GEGA]

Students will learn to examine critically a variety of literature for young readers from around the world, and thereby to comprehend and appreciate it. History and culture of representative nations and important political and social issues- such as human rights, war, genocide, social structure, intolerance, poverty, education and religion - will be explored. The course is designed for students who intend to work with children and young adults as teachers, librarians, parents, caregivers etc.

Credit 3 hrs May not be repeated for additional credit
Grade Mode Normal (A-F) Course Rotation Fall (in-person), Winter (in-person)

Prerequisites -
Restriction by Major -
Restriction by Class - Undergraduate standing

Rationale for Perspectives on a Diverse World - A study of literature for young readers is also a study of the values, beliefs, and attitudes of a society, since what adults offer to the young reflects contemporary adult views. This course exposes students to global children’s literature—as well as the history, beliefs, values, and attitudes of other peoples. Course design assures adequate representation of the literature by and about a wide selection of countries, with emphasis on those which are most often misunderstood or misrepresented in the United States. Supplementary materials in history, cultural anthropology, and philosophy provide a sound basis for the discussion of the literary works, but the primary focus will be on the literature itself. The history of the development of literature for young readers in other countries, criteria for evaluation, literary criticism, as well as cultural authenticity are explored. The course meets outcomes in the Global Awareness category of the General Education Program.

Equivalent Course(s) -
Course History -
Course Rotation updated 11/2022; Course Rotation added 7/2019

children’s literature, Global Awareness (GEGA) , international

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