(BA (1.2), A4, A7, D2; BA Int. Stud. A1.2, A 1.3, A 2.1, A 2.5; BA LA VM Lit; Lehramt (A4, A4a; VM Lit); MAIAS A1.4 electives
PS 2st., Do 16-18 in S 46 / RW II (please notice change of room!!!)
With the rise of the Victorian Age, which is often described as a period of change and innovation, a shift in literature targeted at children became apparent. What started as behavioural guidelines teaching moral lessons and thereby expressing religious attitudes, soon developed into written works that fuelled children’s creativity and imagination. In this course, we will study the situation and role of children during the time of Victoria’s reign. Reflecting upon educational principles and how they could be communicated in works for children, we will discuss selected examples of fairy tales, adventure novels, fantasy stories and other classics of Victorian children’s literature. By the help of theoretical essays, we will define the Victorian’s conception of childhood and explore its representation in literature.
Texts to be obtained by students:
Lewis Carroll. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Robert Louis Stevenson. Treasure Island
Frances Hodgson Burnett. Little Lord Fauntleroy