ENH2990

Formative Influences: Children's Fantasy Narratives ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Heather Scutter

Offered:
Not offered in 2005.

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.

Objectives: It is intended that students undertaking this course should develop: 1. An understanding of the historical association between oral narratives and children's literature. 2. A critical understanding of the historicity of versions of oral narrative, based on a study of cultural variants. 3. A critical understanding of such major paradigms of fantasy literature as the primary and secondary worlds, the male heroic quest and female quest variants; of such archetypes as the shadow and the divine child; and of such notions as high and low fantasy, the beast fable and speculative fantasy. 4. A critical understanding of major psychoanalytic interpretations of myths, legendary and fairy tale material, and the connections of such interpretations with psychologies and discourses of childhood. 5. Knowledge and an understanding of the ways in which fantasy literature rewrites mythic and legendary material, and appropriates this material for a child audience. 6. Knowledge and an understanding of the ideological implications of such rewritingthe capacity to meet the general learning objectives of the department.

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