Community Lecture Series: "Traditional Fairy Tales; The Good, the Gruesome, and the Grimms"

Presenter: Brittany Cuenin
Reception: 5:30 p.m.
Presentation: 6:00 p.m.

This lecture examines the first fairy tales recorded by the Brothers Grimm, Charles Perrault, and Madame de Villeneuve. Fairy tales have permeated cultures across the globe for centuries as entertainment. Professor Brittany Cuenin explores their historical, social, and cultural significance, including famous stories such as Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and Hansel and Gretel. These stories often include grotesques villains and brave protagonists. What do adults and children learn and enjoy from these stories? How have these tales been depicted in well-known illustrations and more recent Disney digital representations? 

Brittany Cuenin is the director of the Lander University Writing Center and a lecturer in the Department of English and Foreign languages, where she teaches courses on children’s literature and fairy tales. Ms. Cuenin earned her B.A. in English and M.A. in English Literature from Clemson University. She has presented at conferences on the value of stories, fairy tales, and children’s literature.

Upcoming Community Lecture Series Events:

February 6 - “Does Literature Make Us Better People?” with Laura Martin, assistant professor of English

March 12 - “Forget What You Know: Mythbusting Memory” with Dr. Shana Southard-Dobbs, associate professor of psychology

April 2 - “A Long Walk to Church: The Camino de Santiago Today” with Dr. Carlos Mentley, professor of Spanish