Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The history of children's literature in Britain is intimately connected with Black British history. Although children's books and a Black British community existed prior to the 18th century, both gained prominence in the public consciousness in the late 18th century, as (on the one hand) John Newbery and other publishers began producing books specifically for children, and (on the other hand) the battle over the abolition of slavery began to increase momentum. In this module, we will explore the history of children's literature about, by, and for Black Britons, beginning with the early abolitionist literature and continuing to contemporary times. In so doing, we will consider issues of representation, voice and agency; and examine how this history differs from other national discourses on diverse representation (particularly the American context), and from adult literature by, for, and about Black Britons. By using different methodologies and theoretical approaches, we will aim to place children's literature about Black Britons into a wider historical and cultural context; trace elements of historical depictions of Black Britons (positive and negative) in more modern children's literature; and understand and further scholarship on the unique aspects of this literature.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module will introduce students to some of the key scholarship on children's literature and Black Britain, offering theoretical and historical perspectives on the field. Students will have the opportunity to explore a range of texts for children, from the historical to the contemporary, and to consider different approaches to the field through a series of scholarly 'case studies' introduced by SELLL scholars. The focus of the module will evolve from year to year in line with staff specialisms and new work in the field.


Students will be encouraged to consider how their own disciplinary and personal perspectives might shape their approach to the subject, and the module will offer them the opportunity to develop key professional skills.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

1. To gain a critical and contextual understanding of the history of British children's literature and Black Britain.

2. To understand different theoretical and critical approaches to this literary history, and how they can be applied to specific texts.

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the module students will:

1. Be able to place children's literature about, by and for Black British people into a wider literary and cultural context.

2. Select from and apply a range of different methodologies to the analysis of texts for children and young people.

3. Have practised a range of professional skills relevant to the field; these may include reviewing, conference presentation, and critical writing.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

In terms of scheduled learning and teaching activities, the lectures will provide necessary background and context as well as introduction of theoretical and critical ideas; small group teaching will allow students to practice working with the ideas presented in new texts and contexts. Similarly, student-led group activities and peer review will give them the opportunity to present and discuss their ideas on the subject. Readings, assessments, and independent study will help concretize material and concepts introduced in class.

We hope to provide an opportunity for students to work in an archive space.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The oral presentation and written report will give students the opportunity to analyse and evaluate critical approaches to course material.

The final 2,250 word essay will build on the material presented in the course. The long form essay encourages students to pursue the intricacies of the topics/texts investigated on the module, and to develop arguments and forms of independent critical thinking.

General Notes

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