Fairy-tale traditions

The unit focuses upon the historical development of literary fairy tales for both adults and children from the seventeenth century to contemporary adaptations across media forms. You will learn theoretical approaches through which to examine the retelling of fairy tales in both oral and literary tradition and how to situate variants within their historical context. In addition, you will explore the cultural and ideological significance of shifting perceptions of the genre as suitable for child readers. Key issues studied will be cultural production, gender and historicism.