Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2019 - EDUC 907 G001

Selected Topics (5)

Activist Children's Literature

Class Number: 10769

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Tue, 4:30–9:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

Description

COURSE DETAILS:

Drawing upon critical theories in the interdisciplinary fields of childhood studies and children’s literature, this seminar examines histories of youth and activism. North American children are often considered subjects in need of protection; however, youth have been and continue to be actors in social movements for justice. Likewise, children’s literature, often considered innocent and even innocuous, has long been a site of progressive education, foregrounding the life stories of activists as well as offering strategies for resisting injustice. Seminar participants will critically analyze picture books, comics, and novels for youth within a broader history of childhood in which the real and imaginary “child” has fought for or been used to advocate for social change. This doctoral seminar is appropriate for students interested in children’s and young adult literature, especially visual-verbal narratives (such as picture books and comics) as well as those interested in histories of childhood.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Develop an understanding of the history of activist children’s literature in North America
  • Understand the complex and contradictory use of the “child” in activist movements
  • Inquire into histories of youth activism in a North American context
  • Become familiar with leading journals in the fields of children’s literature and childhood studies
  • Learn to craft an academic journal article
  • Generate pedagogical strategies and curriculum for activism within and outside of the classroom

Grading

  • Engagement 10%
  • Critical Reading Journal & Summary 20%
  • Mini Lecture & Guided Discussion 10%
  • Academic Book Group 10%
  • Annotated Bibliography/Statement of Argument 15%
  • Paper on activism in children’s literature 25%
  • Final Presentation (15 minutes) 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Barry, L. (2002). One hundred demons. Seattle: Sasquatch Books. 978-1770462779

Mathieu, J. (2017). Moxie. New York: Square Fish. 978-1250104267

Revis, B. (2011). Across the universe. New York: Razor Bill/Penguin

Sanna, F. (2016). The journey. London; New York: Flying Eye Books. 978-1909263994

*Other picture books as required.  
*Choose One in class

  • Markel, M. (2013). Brave Girl. New York: Blazer & Bray. 978-0061804427
  • Morimoto, J. (2014). My Hiroshima. UK: Lothian. 978-0734416025

RECOMMENDED READING:

Nel, P.  & Paul, L. (Eds.). (2011). Keywords for Children’s Literature. New York: New York UP.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS