Students
LIT 864 – Children's Literature: Concepts and Theories
2015 – S2 Evening
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Robyn McCallum
Lecturer
Ryan Twomey
Antonina Harbus
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MChildLit or MCrWrit or GradDipChildLit or GradDipCrWrit or MEChild or MA in (English Literature or Children's Literature or Creative Writing) or PGDipArts in Children's Literature
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit introduces students to contemporary literary and cultural theories pertinent to reading and analysing texts produced for children. Topics include social and historical contexts for the production and reception of children's literature; constructions of childhood; semiotics of visual and verbal texts; critical approaches to children's texts; ideology and value; classics, canons and postmodernity.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Students should have a broad knowledge of the kinds of approaches possible in the criticism of literature produced for young people
- Students should have developed and expanded their understanding and ability to apply literary and cultural concepts to a particular field
- Students should have an enhanced understanding of the various ways in which the literature can be understood within perspectives suggested by cultural theories, practices and ideologies
- Students should have refined a conceptual and analytic language with which to discuss literature
- Students should have developed and refined skills in textual and critical analysis, especially the ability to recognize and analyse the extent to which texts are implicated in and by relationships to cultural practice
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI assisted? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Participation | 10% | Weeks 1-12 | No | ||
| Critical Evaluation | 20% | Week 6 | No | ||
| Seminar Paper | 30% | Weeks 4-13 | No | ||
| Major Research Essay | 40% | 20/11/2015 | No |
Participation
Due: Weeks 1-12
Weighting: 10%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:
Attainment of unit outcomes in relation to participation will be assessed according to the following criteria:
· Students must post a minimum of SIX responses to weekly discussion forums on the unit’s ilearn site over the semester. Please make sure that your postings do not exceed 500 words, as it is harder for others to respond to postings that are excessively long and detailed.
· In order to participate effectively, you need to read the weekly texts and prepare the seminar discussion topics in advance, then post responses to the seminar questions and respond to the posts of other students, to facilitate an active discussion such as would occur in a face-to-face seminar. Students are also encouraged to raise other relevant points of interest in their online discussions. Be prepared to question the opinions of others, to have your opinions challenged and to participate actively in discussion.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Students should have a broad knowledge of the kinds of approaches possible in the criticism of literature produced for young people
- Students should have developed and expanded their understanding and ability to apply literary and cultural concepts to a particular field
- Students should have an enhanced understanding of the various ways in which the literature can be understood within perspectives suggested by cultural theories, practices and ideologies
- Students should have refined a conceptual and analytic language with which to discuss literature
Critical Evaluation
Due: Week 6
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:
Write a critical evaluation of two of the articles of literary criticism specified for this task (see below). This evaluation, of approx 1500 words, should examine the extent to which these articles are informed and/or shaped by concepts employed by their authors to position themselves in relation to the texts they discuss, and whether these concepts enhance reading or limit it.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Students should have a broad knowledge of the kinds of approaches possible in the criticism of literature produced for young people
- Students should have developed and expanded their understanding and ability to apply literary and cultural concepts to a particular field
- Students should have an enhanced understanding of the various ways in which the literature can be understood within perspectives suggested by cultural theories, practices and ideologies
- Students should have developed and refined skills in textual and critical analysis, especially the ability to recognize and analyse the extent to which texts are implicated in and by relationships to cultural practice
Seminar Paper
Due: Weeks 4-13
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:
One minor essay based on a seminar topic from Week 2 to Week 11, of about 2000 words, due two weeks after the relevant week.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Students should have a broad knowledge of the kinds of approaches possible in the criticism of literature produced for young people
- Students should have an enhanced understanding of the various ways in which the literature can be understood within perspectives suggested by cultural theories, practices and ideologies
- Students should have refined a conceptual and analytic language with which to discuss literature
- Students should have developed and refined skills in textual and critical analysis, especially the ability to recognize and analyse the extent to which texts are implicated in and by relationships to cultural practice
Major Research Essay
Due: 20/11/2015
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:
One major essay of 2500 words – see major essay topics in the Unit Handbook.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Students should have a broad knowledge of the kinds of approaches possible in the criticism of literature produced for young people
- Students should have developed and expanded their understanding and ability to apply literary and cultural concepts to a particular field
- Students should have an enhanced understanding of the various ways in which the literature can be understood within perspectives suggested by cultural theories, practices and ideologies
- Students should have refined a conceptual and analytic language with which to discuss literature
- Students should have developed and refined skills in textual and critical analysis, especially the ability to recognize and analyse the extent to which texts are implicated in and by relationships to cultural practice
Delivery and Resources
The unit is delivered online via the LIT864 ilearn site. Set texts are available from the University Coop bookshop and other resources are available in E-reserve in the library.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Departmental Policies
All assignments are to be submitted through turnitin on the LIT864 ilearn site.
Extensions and Disruptions to study. If you have a legitimate reason for being unable to submit your work by the due date please contact the unit convenor before the due date; a lateness penalty my otherwise by imposed (2% per day). Formal requests for disruption to study should be submitted via ask@mq.edu.au
Word Limits
Word limits need to be adhered to. Papers which are 10% over or under the word limit may be penalised.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Students should have a broad knowledge of the kinds of approaches possible in the criticism of literature produced for young people
- Students should have developed and expanded their understanding and ability to apply literary and cultural concepts to a particular field
- Students should have an enhanced understanding of the various ways in which the literature can be understood within perspectives suggested by cultural theories, practices and ideologies
- Students should have developed and refined skills in textual and critical analysis, especially the ability to recognize and analyse the extent to which texts are implicated in and by relationships to cultural practice
Assessment tasks
- Participation
- Major Research Essay
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Students should have a broad knowledge of the kinds of approaches possible in the criticism of literature produced for young people
- Students should have developed and expanded their understanding and ability to apply literary and cultural concepts to a particular field
- Students should have an enhanced understanding of the various ways in which the literature can be understood within perspectives suggested by cultural theories, practices and ideologies
- Students should have refined a conceptual and analytic language with which to discuss literature
- Students should have developed and refined skills in textual and critical analysis, especially the ability to recognize and analyse the extent to which texts are implicated in and by relationships to cultural practice
Assessment tasks
- Critical Evaluation
- Seminar Paper
- Major Research Essay
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Students should have developed and expanded their understanding and ability to apply literary and cultural concepts to a particular field
- Students should have an enhanced understanding of the various ways in which the literature can be understood within perspectives suggested by cultural theories, practices and ideologies
- Students should have refined a conceptual and analytic language with which to discuss literature
- Students should have developed and refined skills in textual and critical analysis, especially the ability to recognize and analyse the extent to which texts are implicated in and by relationships to cultural practice
Assessment tasks
- Participation
- Critical Evaluation
- Seminar Paper
- Major Research Essay
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Students should have refined a conceptual and analytic language with which to discuss literature
- Students should have developed and refined skills in textual and critical analysis, especially the ability to recognize and analyse the extent to which texts are implicated in and by relationships to cultural practice
Assessment tasks
- Critical Evaluation
- Major Research Essay
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Students should have refined a conceptual and analytic language with which to discuss literature
- Students should have developed and refined skills in textual and critical analysis, especially the ability to recognize and analyse the extent to which texts are implicated in and by relationships to cultural practice
Assessment tasks
- Participation
- Critical Evaluation
- Seminar Paper
- Major Research Essay
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Students should have a broad knowledge of the kinds of approaches possible in the criticism of literature produced for young people
- Students should have developed and expanded their understanding and ability to apply literary and cultural concepts to a particular field
- Students should have an enhanced understanding of the various ways in which the literature can be understood within perspectives suggested by cultural theories, practices and ideologies
- Students should have developed and refined skills in textual and critical analysis, especially the ability to recognize and analyse the extent to which texts are implicated in and by relationships to cultural practice
Assessment tasks
- Participation
- Major Research Essay