We often think of children and animals as going hand-in-hand: children cling to teddy bears, love their pets, and read countless books about wolves, bears, and ducklings. Why do we think the relationship between children and animals is so natural? Why do we expect children to outgrow their special connection to animals? And, what is a child or an animal anyway? Are they one in the same? In this course, we will examine these questions through the literature of Scandinavia, looking at how child-animal encounters are often a space for complicating or defying the child’s imperative to “grow up.” Authors we will study include Hans Christian Andersen, Henrik Ibsen, and Astrid Lindgren.

All Reading and Composition courses must be taken for a letter grade in order to fulfill this requirement for the Bachelor’s Degree. This course satisfies the second half or the “B” portion of the Reading and Composition requirement.

 Prerequisites:  Successful completion of the “A” portion of the Reading & Composition requirement or its equivalent.  Students may not enroll in nor attend R1B/R5B courses without completing this prerequisite.

Instructor pending appointment.