ENG 251W - Children’s Literature

Credits: 4
Instructional Contact Hours: 4

Surveys literature for children in the elementary grades. Explores quality trade books for children; presents respected writers and illustrators in various genres. Dispels commonly misconceived and generic thinking about children’s literature, replacing with more perceptive criteria and reflective judgment of book selection. Results in greater knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of children’s literature. Credit may be earned in ENG 251W or LIT 251W but not both.

Prerequisite(s): ENG 111 or ENG 111A with a grade of “C” or higher
Corequisite(s): None
Lecture Hours: 60 Lab Hours: 0
Meets MTA Requirement: Humanities
Pass/NoCredit: Yes

Outcomes and Objectives

Analyze literature in the subject area.
1. Interpret the meanings of literary works.
2. Identify various literary genres.
3. Demonstrate analytical understanding through writing.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of multiple theoretical approaches.
5. Explain how text and illustration complement each other to engage young readers.
6. Describe how a specific work speaks to children of various ages and meets their emotional, educational, social, intellectual needs, and fits their developing listening and reading skills.
Participate in writing to learn activities.
1. Perform writing tasks to promote learning.
2. Write effectively for a specific audience and purpose.
3. Demonstrate the learning of concepts through writing.
4. Research quality trade books, authors and illustrators.
Demonstrate an understanding of the diverse nature of the cultural and historical context for this body literature.
1. Explain how literature for children reflects the understanding of “childhood” in its historical and cultural context.
2. Evaluate the positive and appropriate depiction of diverse characters in terms of gender, religion, race, or ethnic origin as well as those with disabilities.
3. Identify quality multicultural books for young children, traditional and contemporary.
4. Demonstrate an ability to overcome stereotypes and common clichés about children’s literature.