This course is one of several English 105:  Composition and Introduction to Literature offerings, each of which differs in theme, readings, and main focus.  In this course, we  examine a number of literary works that all deal with the process of coming of age--the fundamental human movement from youth to adulthood, immaturity to maturity, ignorance to knowledge, innocence to experience. Through class discussions, informal writings, and formal essays, we will study the tensions, aspirations, pains, joys, myths, and realities of this transition. We will pursue such questions as the following: what are the crucial stages involved in coming of age? How do such issues as authority, rebellion, and conformity affect coming of age? In what ways does the process differ between men and women? What roles do sexuality and desire play in the process? What larger patterns--mythic, religious, economic, social--are reflected in the individual's coming of age? How is coming of age related to love? to death? Is there a "normal" pattern for coming of age? What happens if this pattern is broken? Finally, why is this so often a painful process? What makes this necessary? 

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Alice in Wonderland, from the original Tenniel illustrations. 

Alice's spirit of inquiry--which, for good or ill, initiates the movement from innocence to experience--is the very spirit of coming-of-age.