Narrative Theory and Children's Literature (ALL743)
Semester 2 / 2012

Texts

y separately published work icon Pagan's Crusade Catherine Jinks , Melbourne : Oxford University Press , 1992 Z260009 1992 single work novel young adult historical fiction (taught in 2 units)

'Catherine Jinks spins a colorful tale loaded with action, down-and-dirty details of medieval life, and a healthy helping of sarcasm sure to appeal to teen readers - especially boys.
'Down on his luck and kicked in the pants one too many times, sixteen-year-old Pagan Kidrouk arrives on the doorstep of the Templar Knights in medieval Jerusalem, looking for work as a squire. He's expecting only some protection from the seedier aspects of life on the street and a few square meals. Instead, Pagan finds himself hard at work for Lord Roland de Bram - an exciting life of polishing Lord Roland's armor, laundering his garments, and even training to fight by his side.
'But as the Infidel Saladin leads his army to Jerusalem, it becomes more and more difficult for Pagan and Lord Roland to discern what action to take or whom to trust. Neither Saladin's army nor the Christian Crusaders offer easy answers. Is a bloody battle for control of the Holy City inevitable?' (Publication summary)

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Description

This unit focuses on novels and films for young adults, an increasingly prominent market segment. Students will consider young adults as an implied audience and identify the ideological thrusts and socializing agendas in texts, identifying the ways in which novels and film texts of their choice map the processes of maturity to adulthood. Attention is paid to theories dealing with notions of adolescence as a cultural and historical construct, and to the ways in which discursive modes create subjectivities that have the potential to reinforce and remodel identity and power structures, both within texts and in contemporary culture.

Assessment

Two essays, 2500 words each, 50% each

Other Details

Offered in: 2011, 2010
Current Campus: Burwood (Melbourne), External
Levels: Postgraduate
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