ENG 272 - Literature For Middle Grades
Department: English
Description: Analysis of works written for children ages 9 to 13, including multicultural novels and information books, children's media, and culture. Does not repeat material of ENG 170.
Credit Hours: 3
Current Offerings
Spring 2025
- 001 - Lecture (In Person): M W 9:35 AM - 10:50 AM , Mary Jeanette Moran 3.00 hour(s)
Dates: 01/13/2025 - 05/03/2025
Location: Adlai E. Stevenson Hall 352 (STV 352)
Instructor: Mary Jeanette Moran
Class Notes: This course focuses on literature written for and read by children between ages 9 and 13. While most young people still have a close connection to their families at this period in their development, they are also beginning to make stronger connections outside the family, with both individuals and communities. As we read texts from a variety of subgenres and time periods, we’ll consider some of these questions: How do these texts define family? What roles do the protagonists play in their families? How do children and adults interact within the family? What are the connections and tensions between the family and the larger society? To what extent can people choose their families? To what extent do books about families encourage readers to develop and express their ability for empathy? How can we look beyond family connections to the relationships enabled through engagement in the political process? Depending on students’ interests, we may also discuss issues such as narrative voice, gender, class, race, and ideology. We will read one book every 1-2 weeks, along with some supplemental readings. Texts will include Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, Rita Williams-Garcia’s One Crazy Summer, and Linda Sue Park’s When My Name Was Keoko. The content of the class primarily consists of interactive, student-centered discussion about the readings. While in-person class attendance is the default mode, students will have the option to attend by Zoom if needed. In addition to thoughtful and engaged participation, your responsibilities include three papers, leading discussion with prepared discussion questions once during the semester, and peer workshops on paper drafts.