ENG4802 - Children Reading

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

(1) demonstrate knowledge of a range of literature for and about children
(2) demonstrate understanding of the use of key terms in the study of texts, particularly, narrative and poetry: e.g. realism, fantasy, irony, voice, plot, characterisation, and figurative devices;
(3) critically discuss poems and stories on themes relevant to children at Key Stages 1 and 2, on the basis of an accurate and sensitive reading;
(4) demonstrate understanding of the changing experience of children and of constructions of childhood across space and time;
(5) demonstrate an understanding of key critical debates, addressing literature for and about children

Content:

Sessions will focus on ‘texts’: e.g. picture books, myths and legends retold from oral traditions, fantasy stories, poems, and fiction which is either for children or in which the representation of children is a major element. Students will be introduced to a range of critical terms relevant to the study of this range of texts, and will have practice in applying these, as they examine works in relation to literary developments (e.g. Romanticism, realism), and to socio-cultural and political debates (e.g. education, gender, ethnicity). Students will be encouraged to examine the arts that bring books within the circle of a child’s awareness, in both literary form and illustration, and through storytelling, and reading aloud.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Learning and teaching methods will combine lectures and workshops. A considerable amount of group work will be required of students both in sessions and in preparation for informal class presentations. A portfolio of short written pieces will support the development of essay-writing skills.

Lectures/Workshops
Contact hours 40
Number of groups 1

Assessment:

001 Essay1 1x1000 words (End sem 1) 25%
002 Portfolio Pass/Fail 0%
003 Essay2 1x1000 words (End sem 2) 50%
004 Presentation 15-20 Minutes (End sem 2) 25%


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