ENL3501: EARLY PERIODS OF ENGLISH LITERATURE

The course will introduce you to texts written in English from Anglo-Saxon times to the Renaissance, from the oral epic poem about fighting monsters under water (Beowulf) to the somewhat indelicate love poems of a famous Preacher (Dr. John Donne).

We will read Anglo-Saxon poems and riddles (in translation), love songs and lullabies by the famous thirteenth century writer anonymous, and ballads both historical and supernatural. Students will dramatize scenes from mystery and morality plays, and from Christopher Marlowe’s hair-raising tragedy Doctor Faustus.

Students often fear that the texts will be “old, boring, and hard.” They do require the effort of reading back across centuries, reading about monsters, murders, love and death, good and evil. I think you will find the effort worthwhile.

LIT3930: THE PROBELM OF EVIL

The course explores the nature, causes, effects, and possible responses to human evil through readings in history, literature, psychology, sociology, and theology. The readings begin with Oedipus and end with contemporary fiction and film.

The course requires no previous specific work in the disciplines listed above, but students should have completed the Gordon Rule sequence or should have equivalent skills in reading and writing about complex texts.

The material is often disturbing to students. I do not recommend that you enroll during a semester when you are having a difficult time with life in general. You are welcome to email me with your questions at mbaron@unf.edu.

This seminar is designed for those who plan to work with adults in various learning contexts including academic and career preparation, professional development, inservice training, and continuing education. Students will explore the psychological, sociological, and economic dimensions of adult learning in the American experience. Emphasis will be given to the application of theory to contemporary practice in the formal provision of educational activities for adults.

MICKEY'S AMERICAN DREAM

This seminar will include a discussion of fairly tales, folk tales, and movies used to shape behaviors, actions, values, and attitudes of children that will help them obtain the “American Dream.”  We will read classic and contemporary fairy tales in their written form, as well as adaptations and responses to the stories. We will also read picture books, literary criticism, psychology, and sociology.  We will investigate what the “American Dream” has meant over time with particular attention to its embodiment in the fairy tale films of Walt Disney.

LIT3333: ADOLESCENT LITERATURE:  Then and Now

.We will read classic and contemporary literature considered suitable for elementary and middle school students, as well as literary criticism, developmental psychology, and pedagogical theory. As we move through the course we will ask the following questions, among many others:

1. What do we mean by adolescence?
2. What are the functions of adolescence in our culture?
3. How does adolescence happen in other cultures?
4. What are the tasks of adolescence?
5. How is adolescence different for females and males?
7. What characteristics place a text within the field of “adolescent literature"?
8. What are some characteristic themes and concerns of the texts?
9. What are the major sub-genres in the field?
6. What happens when we read?
10. Does adolescent literature serve one or more social functions?
11. What ethical issues do teachers and librarians working in this field face?
12. Your own questions are most welcome.

LIT 3331: CHLDREN’S LITERATURE

We will read classic and contemporary literature written for children, as well as literary criticism, developmental psychology, principles of book design, and pedagogy. The readings begin with classic fairy tales, and move through illustrated books to contemporary novels. This is an upper level Literature course. Students should have completed LIT22210 and/or LIT2932 before they enroll.

CRW 3930: POETRY WORJKSHOP

This course is structured in four ways:

Readings in poetry and poetics,

Assigned writing exercises

Group workshop sessions

Individual conferences with the instructor.

We will explore contemporary poetry, with a look at its antecedents and influences. The workload is similar to that in other upper division literature courses, the major difference being that students’ work will be a major text. Students should not enroll until they have completed LIT2110 and/or LIT2932.
You are welcome to email me with questions at mbaron@unf.edu.