Learning Area: Children's Literature OPT

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject covers the history of children's literature, attitudes and issues in contemporary fiction, picture books, poetry, storytelling, traditional literature, popular texts, critical sources, censorship, awards and prizes; and investigates innovative classroom literature practices.

• have read widely across a broad range of books for young people
• have a framework for understanding and critically evaluating the nature and scope of current approaches to the analysis of literature for children
• have developed a repertoire of teaching and learning strategies for the fostering of reading pleasure
• have developed a repertoire of teaching and learning strategies for the fostering of the 'thoughtful reader' (Chambers)
• be able to critically evaluate the role of children's literature and reading for pleasure within current literacy programs
• be able to make critical and informed decisions concerning the development and implementation of literature programs in the primary school at all reading and developmental levels

There are three pieces of assessment:

• A Class paper (1,000 words, 25%)
• An essay (2000 words, 50%)
• A Seminar (1,000 words, 25%)

Assessment is due throughout the semester.

Attendance at all classes (tutorial/seminars/practical classes/lectures/labs) is obligatory. Failure to attend 80% of classes will normally result in failure in the subject.

Prescribed Texts:

A reading list will be distributed at the start of this subject.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• demonstrate an extensive knowledge of the field of children's literature in primary school contexts, including within current debates about literacy pedagogy and appropriateness of texts for children;
• demonstrate an informed respect for the values, ethics and practices of English teaching as a profession and the teaching of literature in particular;
• use advanced communication technologies to support their own learning and research and the learning of their students;
• demonstrate an ability and confidence to participate effectively in collaborative learning as a team-member, while respecting individual differences; and
• the ability to plan work and to use time effectively.