Education - Children's Literature at Oxford Brookes University - UCAS

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Course summary

Our PGCert Education - Children's Literature course gives you an overview of the turbulent and unique journey that children's literature has taken since its earliest days to the present from a range of theoretical perspectives. You will acquire the understanding of how texts are constructed using a range of narrative modes. And how this aspect of your subject knowledge can be used in the primary classroom to develop children’s abilities to read a range of texts for pleasure. You will also explore a variety of texts currently available including:

  • classic texts
  • picture books
  • novels in verse form
  • literature in translation
  • digital texts.
Our teaching staff are experienced and active in researching and teaching in the area of children's literature. You will have access to our Oxford Brookes specials collections, a new collection of rare and antiquarian children's books and, when onsite, specialist-trained drama sessions.

Modules

Compulsory modules Reading for Pleasure (20 credits) Reading for Pleasure has gained a strong foothold in the latest National Curriculum. Exploring what reading for pleasure is and what it can mean in and out of the classroom is a worthy exploration. Yet acknowledging the importance of the pleasure of reading is not enough. How do we cater for young readers and how do we ensure that the worlds we share are as diverse as the world in which we live in? We'll explore a range of text types. Focussing on picturebooks and the complex relationship between word and picture. As part of the module, you might undertake activities like:

  • collaborative presentation work with peers
  • critiquing and exploring ideas in children's literature together
  • investigating and discussing best practice in groups
  • evaluating and exploring digital media.
Children's literature through the ages (20 credits) The history of children’s literature is an interesting one. A rich and tumultuous beginning and a growing diverse picture that we are building today. The genre leaves us with one question: who is children’s literature for? Written by adults, what do these stories tell us about our society and culture, and what political ideas do they carry? Are children aware of these ideas and their possible interpretation? You'll investigate its history and explore the ideas within two comparative texts from differing periods. Exploring issues relating to race, gender, politics and culture. This module is designed to complement the Reading for Pleasure module. Independent Study: Investigating Practice (20 credits) This is a chance to carry out an independent study/practice investigation. You’ll choose your own topic, with approval from your module leader / subject co-ordinator. The topic will be relevant to your own practice, but areas of investigation might include (for example):
  • developing pedagogical approaches or curriculum materials
  • evaluating learners’ achievement levels
  • reviewing the evidence base for changes to educational practice
  • appraising learning environments and learning opportunities.
It’s also possible to carry out retrospective evaluation of a project, provided the project took place within the last five years. This might be on:
  • the impact of a professional development programme or initiative
  • the experience of designing and delivering a new scheme of work
- the process of implementing an educational change or project.

Assessment method

The PG Certificate in Children’s Literature consists of three modules (60 credits). You can take the course part time either on-campus or distance learning over one year. On-campus In semesters one and two, taught modules are usually taught over eight weeks on Wednesdays 5.00pm - 8.00pm. In semester three there is an independent study module with tutorials. Distance learning This involves part-time online learning through the use of our Moodle platform. Each module usually requires about 12 hours a week plus time spent on assessment.


How to apply

International applicants

Please see the University's standard English language requirements.

Entry requirements

Students should normally have a first degree.


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £980 Module
Northern Ireland £980 Module
Scotland £980 Module
Wales £980 Module

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Education - Children's Literature at Oxford Brookes University - UCAS