The Major/Minor
This week’s featured program is the Children’s and Young Adult Literature Major and the Children’s Literature Minor at Eastern Michigan University. From the website:
The Children’s Literature Program at EMU is one of the oldest in the United States. We maintain this tradition by teaching courses in the history of children’s literature, mythology, and folklore. We also offer cutting-edge courses in such diverse areas as children’s media and culture, multicultural children’s literature, global children’s literature, queer children’s literature, adolescent literature, Jewish children’s literature, illustrated texts, and various special topics. We hope you’ll come join us!
We now offer a new major, Children’s and Young Adult Literature! Within this major, students choose a concentration (literary analysis, publishing or theatre for the young) that best prepares them for their chosen career or further study. We also continue to build our minor in Children’s Literature.
Students enrolled in the major take five core courses and then elect 21 credit hours’ worth of courses in their chosen concentration. Students enrolled in the minor take two core courses, choose two of four additional required courses, and then take 9 credit hours’ worth of electives.
Two Interesting Courses
CHL 208 Multicultural Children’s Literature
Introduction to literature for children and young adults by and about African Americans, Asian Americans, Latinos and Native Americans, including history of multicultural writing for the young; major issues of multiculturalism; historical and cultural background of each group; and critical apparatus for the selection, interpretation, and evaluation of such literature.
CHL 209 Global Children’s Literature
Students will learn to examine critically a variety of literature for young readers from around the world, and thereby to comprehend and appreciate it. History and culture of representative nations and important political and social issues- such as human rights, war, genocide, social structure, intolerance, poverty, education and religion – will be explored. The course is designed for students who intend to work with children and young adults as teachers, librarians, parents, caregivers etc.
Five Possible Complementary Majors/Minors at Eastern Michigan University
Unique Opportunities within the Major/Minor
Students enrolled in the major or minor can participate in the unique Harry Potter Experience study abroad opportunity during the winter intersession:
Program Overview
This program will take you to Oxford and London, England to explore the realm of children’s literature, particularly the Harry Potter series. You’ll see the famous dining hall where Harry, Hermoine and Ron received a few owls during meals! The staircase in many of the films is an actual staircase in Christ Church College, Oxford, and there are a number of other hidden locations that will be revealed. In London you’ll visit the British Library, National Gallery, British Museum, and many sites associated with the Harry Potter texts. In all, it will be a wonderful opportunity to see two cities rich in literary history, art, culture and Harry Potter lore!
Program Highlights
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- Enjoy a guided tour of Harry Potter film sites.
- Visit Christ Church College to see the model for Hogwarts’ Great Hall.
- Explore relevant children’s literature sites including the British Museum and National Gallery
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Sample Similar Programs
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- Framingham State University: Children’s and Young Adult Literature Minor
- San Diego State University: Children’s Literature Minor
- University of North Carolina Charlotte: Children’s Literature and Childhood Studies Minor