Week Three

Week three will develop the view, begun in week two, that children’s literature should not preach but rather present characters in such a way that the lived experience of the characters renders a judgment on themselves and their lives. This week Professor Claudia Mills (Professor of Philosophy at the University of Colorado) will join us as we continue our examination of the claim that narrative literature plays a crucial role in helping children to form the compassionate imagination. Professor Mills writes on a wide range of topics in ethical theory, social and political philosophy, and applied ethics, as well as on philosophical issues and themes in children’s literature. She is also the author of more than 30 highly acclaimed children's books. Her current research interests are focused on ethical issues in children’s literature and ethical issues in parenting and child rearing. We will read some of her work concerning ethics and children’s literature and apply her insights to her own children’s stories, including Standing Up to Mr. O. An examination of short selections from Aristotle will also lead to a discussion on habits and virtues, and a focus on Mills’ "From Obedience to Autonomy: Moral Growth in the Little House Books," will further develop the categories of interest.