Literacy education—specialization in children’s/adolescent literature

Professor Lee Galda

Advanced graduate study in children’s and adolescent literature focuses on topics that reflect the multidisciplinary nature of this literature: studies of text, of readers, and of contexts. Studies of texts include literary and content analyses from varied theoretical perspectives, as well as analysis of art, original manuscripts, and other material housed in the Kerlan Collection. Studies of readers include close examination of how children and young adults respond to literature, while research on contexts focuses on how literature is presented to children in libraries, homes, and classrooms. Both studies of readers and contexts are grounded in particular theoretical orientations. Faculty in other literacy track specializations, in other tracks within curriculum and instruction, and in other departments in both the College of Education and Human Development and the College of Liberal Arts regularly serve on M.A. and Ph.D. committees.

The children’s/adolescent literature specialization in the Ph.D. track in literacy prepares researchers and teacher educators to:

• build on past research and explore new paradigms for research in literature
• engage diverse learners in multiple contexts through literature
• educate literacy teachers and leaders across their professional careers
• develop expertise in the critical analysis of contemporary children’s and adolescent literature

Course offerings for students in the children’s/adolescent literature specialization

Major coursework: minimum of 15 credits (plus 9 credits for departmental Ph.D. Core courses)

• CI 8400 (part 1)—Special Topics in Children’s and Young Adult Literature—Transactional Theory and Beyond
• CI 8400 (part 2)—Special Topics in Children’s and Young Adult Literature—Trends and Issues in Literature
• CI 8412—Research in Reading: Literature, Comprehension, & Assessment
• CI 8461—Sociocultural Perspectives on Literacy Research

Electives from children’s literature coursework including:

• CI 5401—Children’s Literature in the Elementary School
• CI 5402—Research in Special Collections
• CI 5403—Writing for and by Children
• CI 5405—Culturally Diverse Literature for Children and Adolescents
• CI 5410—Special Topics
• CI 5442—Adolescent Literature

And coursework in the reading and/or critical literacy specializations

Supporting program or minor coursework: 12 credits

Educational Foundations: 6 credits

Research Methodologies: 12 credits (6 quantitative, 6 qualitative)

Thesis: 24 credits

Sample program plan for the literature specialization

Major coursework: minimum of 15 credits (plus 9 credits for departmental Ph.D. core courses)

• CI 8131, 8132, 8133
• CI 8400—Special Topics in Children’s and Young Adult Literature: Transactional Theory and Beyond
• CI 8400—Special Topics in Children’s and Young Adult Literature: Trends and Issues
• CI 8412—Research in Reading: Literature, Comprehension & Assessment
• CI 8461—Sociocultural Perspectives on Literacy Research

Major coursework electives:

• CI 5402—Research in Special Collections
• CI 5405—Culturally Diverse Literature for Children and Adolescents
• CI 5442—Adolescent Literature

Or:

• CI 5405—Culturally Diverse Literature for Children and Adolescents
• CI 8470—The Politics of Race and Literacy in Schools, or CI 8470 Literacy in Diverse Settings, or CI 8470 Critical Theory and Literacy

Or:

• CI 5401—Children’s Literature in the Elementary School, or CI 5442, Adolescent Literature
• CI 8470—The Role of Motivation in Engaged Reading and Writing

Supporting program electives draw from many disciplines within or outside C&I, including culture and teaching, second languages and cultures education, English, art, educational psychology. A formal minor must be taken in a discipline offered outside of C&I. Please refer to the C&I Graduate Studies Handbook for further information on supporting programs and formal minors.

Educational foundations electives draw from many disciplines and serve to broaden and strengthen a program. Please see Educational foundations courses and descriptions for the list of recommend courses.

Research methodology courses prepare students to be both critical consumers of research and skilled researchers. Courses are selected to create both broad and intensive knowledge. A minimum of two qualitative and two quantitative courses are required (12 credits, determined with advisor; see dept. guidelines), but additional methodology courses could contribute to a supporting program. Please see Research methodology courses and descriptions.

Thesis: 24 credits

Minimum credits required for Ph.D.: 78

July 2008