PREREQUISITES:
MAS students: Completion of the MAS Core courses, plus permission of the instructor.
MLIS and Dual students: Some electives can be taken in conjunction with the MLIS Core courses; consult with the MLIS Program Chair for recommendations.
GOAL: The goal of this course is to provide students with the knowledge and appreciation of children’s literature required for the development of children’s library collections and children’s reader’s advisory services.
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this course students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a familiarity with the historical development of children’s literature from the fifteenth century to the present [2.1]*
- Relate the types, genres, formats, and content of children’s literature to the different stages of children’s reading levels, recreational interests, information needs, and development and growth [1.3]*
- Define the various genres in children’s literature and their place in children’s reading development [1.1, 2.1, 4.1]*
- Identify and discuss a wide range of authors and illustrators [4.1]*
- Develop and apply criteria for the selection and evaluation of the various types of literature for children in print format [1.1, 1.2, 4.1]*
- Demonstrate familiarity with resources in children’s literature [2.1]*
- Assess review journals of children’s books [2.2]*
- Demonstrate abilities to make choices in selection and evaluation of children’s books for a library collection [1.1]*
- Write critical annotations/reviews of children’s books [2.1]*
- Discuss and assess trends, issues, and themes in children’s literature [2.1]*
- Analyze the role of the children’s library and other adults in promoting children’s literature [1.4]*
* Course objectives are stated in terms of student learning outcomes and reference the iSchool Statement on Graduate Competencies.
CONTENT:
- Evaluation and Selection of Children’s Books
- Resources in Children’s Literature
- Print and Electronic Journals and Other Resources on Children’s Literature Criticism and Review
- Children’s Developmental Stages and Their Books
- History and Current State of Children’s Literature
- Genres of Children’s Literature
- Significant texts, authors and illustrators
- Trends and issues in children’s literature
- The role of the children’s librarian and other adults in promoting children’s literature and mediating the relationship of child and text