Illustrated Books: Theory, Criticism, Development

Course description

Illustrated books refer to a special category of books mainly related to preschool education. The purpose of this course is (a) to acquaint students with this particular type of children's literary books and (b) the systematic and intensive immersion in its interpretive and didactic approach. The objectives are formulated as follows: (a) Critical approaching of the subcategories of illustrated books, and presentation of the theories attempting its interpretation, (b) comprehension of their multiplicity and their relationship with children and the adult mediator, and (c) the interpretation of the relationship between image, text and context. We will focus on various aspects of illustrated books, as well as on ways of reading this book in kindergarten. The course attempts to apply in practice the principles of the didactics of literature. Students will be introduced in modes of selecting remarkable illustrated books, reading them and designing activities based on them, in order to develop critical and literary literacy. Its connection with other cognitive objects will be examined. We will focus on the narrative categories of the subject, the plot, the characters, the point of view, the fiction and the intertextuality, as they are of particular interest for each fiction text. The course also aims at educative applications so that children consolidate basic reading principles and establish initial contact with children's literature.

Intended learning outcomes

 Upon successful completion of the course, students are expected to:

• hold knowledge of the special features of illustrated books

• hold knowledge of the various types of illustrated books (wordless book, pricturebook…)

• utilize the contextual elements in the teaching process

• hold knowledge of basic issues of literary and critical literacy

• apply the acquired knowledge to the selection of books

• direct the acquired knowledge and experience toward designing illustrated activities

Assessment

Written final examinations that include analysis and comparative evaluation of theory elements of illustrated books. Completion of optional project. In the event that students decide to conduct a project, the final evaluation is as follows: (a) Written exams (60%) (b) Submission of an essay on a topic related to the content of the course (40%). The final mark components of the course have been uploaded on e-class and are available to all students.

Teaching method: Presentations using ppt, discussion, visits to bookstores / libraries.