LIT224 Children's Literature: Fantasy And Realism (8)

This subject focuses on changing perceptions of the two dominant modes in the discourse of children's literature - fantasy and realism. Students will explore these modes in a variety of narrative forms, and issues such as the construction and contesting of a canon, censorship, re-mediation and children's literature in the digital space. Taking account of historical and cultural contexts, students will identify the factors that determine children's preferences and compare the responses of children and adults to these two narrative modes.

Availability

Session 2 (60)
Online
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: LIT224. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

Not to be taken by students who have done LIT207, LIT-2074, LIT222 or LIT316.

Assumed Knowledge

While it is not a prerequisite, some study related to literature, education, psychology or communication and creative industries will be an advantage. 

Incompatible Subjects

LIT207, LIT222, LIT316

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to identify some of the main parameters of the narrative modes fantasy and realism
  • be able to identify fantasy and realism in individual literary texts for young readers
  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of the historical development of English language fantasy and realism for young readers
  • be able to discuss the development and contesting of a canon in children's literature
  • be able to distinguish between the responses of children and adults to fantasy and realism
  • be able to identify and evaluate some of the textual changes involved in re-mediation from print to platforms in the digital space
  • be able to compare their own responses to individual texts with those of scholars in the field
  • be able to articulate their responses accessibly and logically in written and spoken English

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Realism and the Enlightenment
  • Fantasy and Romanticism
  • Boys' adventure narratives: the Empire and the feral child
  • Domestic realism and fantasy
  • Liminal spaces
  • Fantasy and the quest
  • Realism, the school story and literature for young adults
  • Fantasy, realism and gender
  • The queering of children's literature
  • Challenging genre stereotypes
  • Magic and magic realism
  • Realism as history
  • Metanarratives: fiction and truth

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of LIT224 in Session 2 2019. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Blog 1
30
2
Blog 2
30
3
Final take home test
40

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: October 2020. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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