Curious about literature in college?

Would any college students here say that the complexity and depth of the books they're required to study in literature classes are more advanced than most? Like, I've heard of courses analyzing children's literature, like the Mr. Men and Little Miss series. Are courses like that common, or do most colleges usually stick to the classics?

Most colleges typically structure their literature courses around different themes or periods, so the types of literature would vary based on those parameters. Classes could range from the analysis of Shakespeare's works to courses on contemporary fiction.

Courses focusing on children's literature or graphic novels aren't unheard of and can offer a unique angle of literary analysis, so it really depends on the college and the specific department. While these courses might seem 'lighter' because they're studying books that are often written for younger audiences, they often dive deep into themes of cultural representation, moral instruction, and historical context, which can make for an intellectually rigorous experience.

That being said, traditional 'classics' like the works of Hemingway, Austen, or Dostoevsky tend to make up a significant portion of many syllabi, especially in courses that are designed to give an overview of a specific literary period or region. For instance, you might find Austen in a course about British literature from the 19th century.

So to answer your question, both types of courses can be found, it just depends on the college and the specific focus of the literature department.