Key facts

UNE unit code: ENGL310

*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 2 - On Campus
  • Trimester 2 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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From picture books to first chapter books, then on to young adult literature, the world of children’s literature takes you on an extensive and nuanced journey.

In this unit you will look at how children’s literature works; through humour, fantasy, realism, and in visual and verbal modes. You will trace the changing role and reception of children’s literature as a genre aimed towards readers of many backgrounds and ages.

You will be analysing and critically evaluating a range of children’s literary texts and considering the key concepts and contexts in the field of children’s literature.

Expand your awareness of the current debates surrounding children’s literature and its importance to the development of the next generation.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 2On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 2Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
12cp or candidature in a postgraduate award
Restrictions
ENCO210 or ENCO310 or ENCO410 or ENCO510 or ENGL510
Combined units

Notes

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Elizabeth Hale
Elizabeth HaleAssociate Professor, English Literary Studies, English (ENGL310/510; ENGL304/504; ENGL103) - Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education; School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. identify and critically evaluate debates within the field of children's literature;
  2. demonstrate advanced knowledge of key features of the constituted genres of children's literature;
  3. critically analyse and evaluate children's literature texts; and
  4. apply advanced reading, writing and research skills in the critical interpretation of children's literature.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Assessment 1: Written taskYes50%All offerings

No. Words: 2000

Assessment 2: Written taskYes50%All offerings

No. Words: 2000

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

Lonely Castle in the Mirror

ISBN: 9781529176667

Mizuki Tsujimura, Penguin 2022

Text refers to: All offerings

Holes

ISBN: 9781408865231

Sachar, L., Bloomsbury Publishing 2015

Text refers to: All offerings

Where the Wild Things Are

ISBN: 9780099408390

Sendak, M., Red Fox 2000

Text refers to: All offerings

The Golden Day

ISBN: 9781742374710

Dubosarsky, U., Allen & Unwin 2011

Text refers to: All offerings

The Jolly Postman or Other People's Letters

ISBN: 9780670886241

Ahlberg, J. and Ahlberg, A., Viking Children's Books 1999

Text refers to: All offerings

Dream Little One, Dream

ISBN: 9780143507215

Morgan, S. and Kwaymullina, A., Penguin 2020

Text refers to: All offerings

Tom Weekly 4: My Life and Other Exploding Chickens

ISBN: 9781761042713

Bancks, T., Penguin Random House Australia 2021

Text refers to: All offerings

The Two-Hearted Numbat

ISBN: 9781921888007

Kwaymullina, A. and Kwaymullina, E., Fremantle Press 2012

Text refers to: All offerings

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