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The World of Children's Books unit (HEN205)

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Location: Hobart, Online

Introduction

Are you an aspiring teacher, librarian, writer or publishing professional? Or are you just fascinated by writing for young people? This unit explores the diverse and challenging world of writing for children and young adults. Through a variety of genres—such as picture books, graphic and prose novels, and short stories—you will investigate how books for young people deal with the big themes of growing up and living in a changing and challenging world. This unit examines: different perspectives on the values and challenges of books for young people;· the distinctive logics and practices of creative writing for young people; and, current themes and debates in the study of children’s literature. Through weekly writing exercises and extended research and analytical projects, you will learn what it takes to publish, write, and critique works for young audiences.

Summary

Unit name The World of Children's Books
Unit code HEN205
Credit points 12.5
College/School Arts and Society
Humanities and Social Sciences
Discipline English
Coordinator Emily Direen
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Intermediate

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Online Semester 2 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 2 5/7/2026 27/7/2026 30/8/2026 24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Summarise the main trends, themes, concepts, and texts and contexts in the history of children’s and young adult’s literature
  • Evaluate the role children’s and young adult literature in education, children’s development, and culture generally
  • Demonstrate an ability to draft an effective piece of writing for a young audience
  • Develop and communicate ideas through collaboration, discussion with peers, and formal academic writing

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
091523 $592.00 $592.00 not applicable $2,101.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

25 points at Introductory level in any discipline in any faculty

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

On campus:

Weekly online lecture (1 hour) & tutorial (90 min.)

Off campus:

Weekly online lecture (1 hour) & online activities

AssessmentWeekly Writing Activities (20%)|Participation and Reflection (30%)|Learning Portfolio (50%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

You will need to access the following primary texts:

• Steven Herrick, Pookie Aleera is Not My Boyfriend (available as an eBook from the Library)
• Ambelin Kwaymullina, The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf (available to purchase as a print or digital copy)

You will also need to access an award-winning children's fictional text in order to complete Assessment Task 3. You are encouraged to visit your local library or an independent bookshop for this task. Further instructions on text selection will be given during the semester. 

The other primary and secondary reading materials for the unit will be available through MyLO.

 

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