Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2002

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Burks, Valerie C.

Abstract

Global illiteracy remains rampant partly due to confusing definitions, inadequate data gathering, hidden agendas, and improper tools of stimulation. Adult literacy is a problem despite efforts and resources. Using children's and adolescents' literature can improve literacy but it is not being used enough due to false concepts. The problems and an adult non-reader profile are outlined. Current literature on literacy, children's literature theory, and critical plus public intellectual media in academia and popular culture is reviewed. I borrow Martha Nussbaum's idea of the narrative imagination to explore J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter novels. I analyze and then provide a program sketch showing how adults can learn to read while building self-esteem because of innate familiarity with the storytelling tradition, with language, and with ordinary life issues. The literature fosters narrative imagination and encourages discussion. Each new adult reader then adds to the cultivation of humanity.

Extent

202 p.

Comments

FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters|Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2002.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Identifier

FADT12902

Format

pdf

Download

Share

COinS