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The World of Children's Books unit (HEN205)

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

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

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

2027 fee information will be available in August.

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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