20801227Children's Literature
Course Information
Description
This course introduces students to the major genres of literature for young people such as folklore, illustrated works, and short novels. Students will read a variety of works from different eras and study ways children's literature and the understanding of childhood have developed.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Analyze the major cultural and historical conditions that have shaped childhood and adolescence
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral and/or written discussion responses
    Written product
    Criteria
    Describe how the conception of childhood differs in historical, political, and cultural contexts

  2. Analyze the major cultural, historical, and literary conditions that have shaped literature for young people
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral and/or written discussion responses
    Written product
    Criteria
    Describe how changing conceptions of childhood shape children’s literature
    Describe how children's literature differs in historical, political, and cultural contexts

  3. Identify the major characteristics and concerns of the major genres of literature for young people
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral and/or written discussion responses
    Written product
    Criteria
    Explain the defining features of each of the major genres covered in the course (e.g. folklore, such as fairy tales and folk tales; works of prose, such as chapter books, children's novels, and young adult novels; nonfiction; and poetry)
    Identify and explain the major elements of the genre present in an individual text
    Explain the historical, cultural, political, and literary context of a work in a specific genre
    Use literary terminology to describe and discuss a work as an example of a specific genre
    Apply the skills listed above to a new text, without assistance from the instructor

  4. Identify and analyze common misconceptions about literature for young people
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral and/or written discussion responses
    Written product
    Criteria
    Describe common misconceptions about childhood
    Analyze how those misconceptions are rooted in cultural ideology about childhood, literacy, learning, race, gender, and power
    Describe the perspective of the children’s literature scholarly community about these misconceptions
    Explain how a text conforms to or refutes those misconceptions
    Develop a personal perspective on these issues

  5. Analyze visual and performance elements in children’s literature
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral and/or written discussion responses
    Written product
    Criteria
    Explain the defining features of illustrated works such as picture books, board books, and graphic novels
    Identify the major elements of the visual and performance elements present in an individual text
    Explain how the design and performance elements affect the reader’s experience
    Explain the historical, cultural, political and literary context of the visual elements
    Use design terminology to describe and analyze a work in connection with a theme or other effect
    Apply the skills listed above to a new text, without assistance from the instructor

  6. Analyze major issues in children's literature
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral and/or written discussion responses
    Written product
    Criteria
    Explain the major features of each issue (such as censorship, changing markets, and the changing education landscape)
    Explain the historical, political, and cultural context of the issue
    Acknowledge the complexity and ambiguity implicit in the issue

  7. Examine the importance of diverse representation and authorship in literature for young people
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral and/or written discussion responses
    Written product
    Criteria
    Explain the importance of diverse representation across many aspects of identities (age, race and ethnicity, national origin, religion, social class, gender, ability, sexual orientation, language background, and others)
    Explain the importance of diverse authorship
    Analyze the issues around authenticity, insider/outsider voices, and sensitivity readers in publishing and reader reception

  8. Use concepts of literacy and psychology to understand children as readers
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral and/or written discussion responses
    Written product
    Criteria
    Apply basic concepts of literacy and connect them to the study of children's literature
    Explain basic concepts of child psychology and connect them to the study of children's literature

  9. Examine how personal perspectives about children and children’s literature are shaped
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral and/or written discussion responses
    Written product
    Criteria
    Reflect on your experiences as a child based on multiple aspects of your identities
    Reflect on your experiences as a reader based on multiple aspects of your identities
    Describe the flawed nature of memory
    Analyze your position as an adult reader of texts for young people based on multiple aspects of your identities

  10. Use tools of general literary analysis to discuss and evaluate children's literature in writing
    Assessment Strategies
    Written discussion responses
    Written product
    Criteria
    Use appropriate literary terminology
    Explain the complexities and skill present in the language and illustration of children's literature
    Apply a variety of critical approaches to texts
    Explore the ambiguity of literary texts
    Formulate well-supported, well-argued interpretations of texts
    Explain the relationship between literature and children's place in society
    Identify major themes and concerns in children's literature

  11. Present readings and lead discussions about children's literature
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral and/or written discussion responses
    Written product
    Presentation
    Criteria
    Read texts and discuss literature to engage the audience
    Support and encourage discussion as a group leader
    Explore a variety of critical approaches to texts with peers
    Explore the complexity and ambiguity of literary texts with peers
    Refine interpretations of texts with peers