ENH2990

Formative Influences: Children's Fantasy Narratives (6 points)

(ARTS)

Leader: Heather Scutter

Offered:
Clayton First semester 2003 (Day)

Synopsis: Through a study of modern fantasy narratives for children, we will explore the oral and literary traditions of myth, hero legend and fairy tale which underpin adult and children's literature. Using such theoretical approaches as structuralism, psychoanalytic criticism, feminism and cultural studies, we will consider the shaping influences of traditional material as it is represented to children, and as it informs adult consciousness. The ideological assumptions implicit in cultural variants will be questioned as we trace narrative patterns to their sources in other and earlier cultures.

Assessment: Essay (2250 words): 50% + Test (2250 words): 50%

Contact Hours: 2.5 hours (1 lecture and 1 seminar) per week

Prerequisites: A first-year sequence in English, Literary Studies or Cultural Studies or permission

Prohibitions: ENH3990