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Writing for Children (CWRI90010)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2019
Overview
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This subject introduces the creative writing student to contemporary literary and cultural theories pertinent to reading and analysing texts produced for children, as well as stimulating a creative engagement with children’s literature. Through the study and production of picture books, novels, storytelling and poetry, the student will creatively investigate the tensions between children’s literature, society’s notion of childhood, and children themselves, as well as exploring the major themes, techniques, trends and issues of the children’s literature canon.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- apply advanced theoretical, aesthetic and analytic skills to interpreting critical and creative texts;
- tackle new problems in the production of children’s literature with confidence and openness to contemporary artistic directions;
- have a sound working knowledge of themes and conventions of contemporary children’s literature; and
- participate effectively in group discussions and collaborative learning; and demonstrate an understanding of the wider public significance of their knowledge and skills.
Generic skills
At the completion of this subject, students should acquire the following generic skills:
- critical thinking and analysis;
- the ability to think creatively;
- an openness to new ideas;
- written communication;
- the ability to communicate thoughts and knowledge;
- time management and planning; and
- practices and ethics in the field of creative writing.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
CWRI20002 | Short Fiction | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
CWRI30001 | Novels | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- An essay on an aspect of children’s literature which incorporates literary criticism or cultural theory, 2,000 words (40%), due mid-semester
- Creative work of 3,000 words or equivalent (60%), due in the examination period
- Hurdle: Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% attendance in order to pass the subject and regular class participation is expected.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
Not available in 2019
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
A subject reader will be available. Some texts will also be made available through the LMS electronic site for the subject.
- J Rose, The Case of Peter Pan or: The Impossiblity of Children’s Literature, Pennsylvania Press, 1992.
- P Hunt, Understanding Children’s Literature, Routledge, 2000.
Recommended texts and other resources
- J Zipes, Sticks and stones: the troublesome success of children's literature from Slovenly Peter to Harry Potter, Routledge, 2002.
- P Nodelman, The Hidden Adult: Defining Children’s Literature, The John Hopkins University Press, 2008.
- J Harding et al (eds), What do you see? International Perspectives on Children’s Book Illustration, Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2008.
- Subject notes
This subject is taught in alternate years, alternating with CWRI90009 Young Adult Fiction.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Creative Writing, Publishing and Editing Specialisation (formal) Creative Writing Specialisation (formal) Creative Writing Informal specialisation Creative Writing Specialisation (formal) Creative Writing Informal specialisation PD-ARTS Creative Writing - Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
Last updated: 3 November 2022