HUM 6359 Teaching Classical Children's Literature
This course explores various works of classical children’s literature from classical fairy tales to Astrid Lindgren, focusing on different kinds of adult-child interactions. We will investigate the changing historical concepts of children and childhood, as well as the moral and educational functions, the values, and the role models provided by these classics not only for elementary school children but also for their teachers or parents. Throughout, we will discuss how to teach these works meaningfully and with maximum efficacy so that children improve their comprehension skills, their active vocabulary and oral expression, as well as their writing skills. Particular emphasis will be given to learning how to teach with the Socratic Method, to involve children in the learning process, and to stimulate reflecting about and analyzing literature.