Module: EDU6104-20 Childhood, Reading and Children’s Literature

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Ellie West

Module Tutor Contact Details: e.west@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

In this module you will focus on perceptions and theories of childhood alongside the development of literature written for children.  There will be opportunities to investigate children’s literature linked to social, historical and educational perspectives on reading and books for children. Through the readings of some set texts as well as books of your choice you will consider the child as depicted in stories as well as the child as the reader including a theoretical exploration of narrative, children’s literature and theories of reading.  You will come to understand what it means to be a reader and how this is intrinsically bound to the texts young readers encounter.  Through this module you will be expected to extend your reading of children’s literature and develop an academic and educational understanding of such texts. If you like children’s books and are willing to read widely, you will enjoy this module and enrich your understanding and experience of children’s literature.

2.Outline syllabus

Theories of childhood and exploration of early key thinkers/ideas as well as more recent perspectives;

Exploration of a wide range of literature for children: myths, legends and fairy tales; poetry; picture books; the classics and other novels across genres such as fantasy, social realism;

Introduction to and critical evaluation of such literature for children, including introduction to some literary theory in particular reader response, intertextuality and narratology;

Exploration of reading theory and other identified frameworks and discourses, which link childhood, child development and becoming literate – the role of the text within this.

3.Teaching and learning activities

3 hour seminars weekly throughout a term.

Seminars will be a mixture of tutor input and discussion around key theories, student led activities, tasks around particular children’s texts or academic readings. Group discussions will explore and reflect on issues. There will also be time within the schedule for self-directed study and tutorials in preparation for assignment requirements.

All through the course we will be reading and discussing a range of children’s books. The first part of the course will focus predominantly on developing knowledge and understanding in the key areas, particularly around theories of reading with links to child development and the role of books. The second part of the course will focus more on specific children’s books and theories around literature.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description:  Electronic portfolio (2,000 words equivalent)

• % Weighting: 40

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Essay (3,000 words)

• % Weighting: 60