This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
Who and what is 'a child', and what is adolescence? This module examines the representation of childhood and adolescence in a cross-section of texts from modern literature within the context of World Literature studies. Students will pay close attention to the rhetoric and techniques of storytelling woven around these themes, as well as to relevant socio-political debates, while also examining how these specific texts function across cultures.
The module encourages students to find innovative approaches to the topic, and at the same time invites them to explore the relationship between literature and childhood and the joy of reading often associated with childhood and adolescence.
Total Contact Hours: 20
Private Study Hours: 130
Total Study Hours: 150
Main assessment methods
Essay 1 (1,500 words) – 40%
Essay 2 (2,000 words) – 60%
Reassessment methods
Reassessment Instrument: 100% Coursework
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate the ability to think critically about childhood and adolescence as cultural ideas;
2 Explore and re-evaluate what literature is through the ideas of childhood and adolescence;
3 Demonstrate an ability to compare texts from different historical and cultural periods;
4 Evaluate the use of rhetorical devices and narrative strategies in the representation of key concepts such as childhood;
5 Demonstrate an understanding of the political repercussions behind texts dealing with childhood and adolescence.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Undertake independent research through problem-solving around the prescribed set texts;
2 Demonstrate and improved practice in reading and writing;
3 Demonstrate well-documented critical and comparative writing skills;
4 Demonstrate an ability to synthesise, summarise, and present their arguments cogently about a work of literature.
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