CANG9165 : C1+ _ The Invention of Childhood

CANG 9165 THE INVENTION OF CHILDHOOD

Instructor: L. ROESLER

Course Description

Who and what is a child? What do children do? What do they read? What is the adult’s responsibility regarding the state of childhood? Starting from Philippe Ariès’s Centuries of Childhood (L’Enfance et la vie familiale sous l’Ancien Régime), we will examine the premise that the notion of childhood is a modern invention that has developed its own forms of literature in order to consolidate modern visions of it. 

In addition to substantive extracts from books identified specifically as children’s literature, we will read articles with a sociological and civilizational focus. Where possible, we will also compare English-language texts from other European cultures.

Objectives

This course focuses on improving the five competencies in English (aural comprehension, oral expression/interaction, written expression/comprehension) by providing students with

• A selective overview and theory of “children’s” literature
• An greater understanding of the linguistic choices available in English speech and writing
• The ability to discuss complex ideas in written and spoken English

Evaluation

Continuous assessment (50%) + Final examination (50%). 

The continuous assessment will consist in:

• Class participation: Attendance and active participation in the class are required. It’s very important for your individual learning and for the collective experience of the group that all students fully engage in discussions and other in-class activities. Repeated absences or lack of preparation will prevent you from validating this module.
• Oral presentations: short oral presentations on readings + a longer presentation of an award-winning novel
• Written work:  variety of writing assignments of differing lengths
• Grammar points: based on readings and specific student needs