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Canvas Network

Laura Ingalls Wilder: Exploring Her Work and Writing Life

Missouri State University via Canvas Network

This course may be unavailable.

Overview

Laura Ingalls Wilder’s novels have inspired generations of readers of all ages. Unlike most fiction for young readers published during the Great Depression, Wilder’s Little House books have never gone out of print. While they are uniquely American, they seem to cross cultural boundaries, and have been translated into dozens of languages, from German and French to Indonesian and Japanese.

Yet Wilder’s work is also at the center of controversy. Who actually wrote the Little House series? How did Wilder’s personal life influence the direction and content of her fiction? Are the books a reliable and sensitive representation of the pioneer experience in the American West?

This course is designed to explore these issues and more. It will expand your understanding of the literary themes, style, and historical underpinnings of Wilder’s Little House series. You’ll gain insight into complex issues at the heart of contemporary Wilder scholarship: the question of authorship; Wilder’s depiction of American Indians and the frontier; the ethical ambiguities underlying autobiographical fiction and memoir.

At the end of this eight-week course, you’ll emerge with a clearer understanding of Wilder’s contribution to American children’s literature.

Taught by

Pamela Smith Hill

Reviews

4.1 rating, based on 10 Class Central reviews

Start your review of Laura Ingalls Wilder: Exploring Her Work and Writing Life

  • I thought I was going to die of happiness finding this fascinating course! It met every expectation I had and more. I could not believe it was so interesting and I found an entire population of people who were just as much in love with the Laura In…
  • Anonymous
    I loved this course. It was very informative and well planned out. I read the books to my family and even my teenage son would sit and listen to them being read. I would then discuss the lessons with the family. We all benefited from this course.
  • Anonymous
    I took this class the last time it was offered. Very insightful and informative. If you are at all interested in Laura Ingalls Wilder or her books I highly recommend it.
  • Michelle Garcia
    Completed the first two...So excited to delve into Pamela's new book. Enjoyed both the classes very much and found the interaction with other Laura fans great fun.
  • Michelle Garcia
    Took the first two and have been awaiting this one...Enjoyed myself thoroughly as a life long Laura fan. Really feel like I know her in a whole different way.
  • V-Ann Davis
  • Jennifer Holman-Dodds
  • EM M
  • Lisa

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