ENMCHM-Myth and Folktale in Children's Literature

Module Provider: English Literature
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: k.b.lesnik-oberstein@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module begins with the discussion of the oral tradition for children and the place of myth and folktale within it. The first part of the module will concentrate on the folktale and fairy-tale. Topics for discussion will include: the main theories of folktales and fairytales; the work of Perrault and the Grimms; nineteenth century fairytales; folktale and women; the way European folktales have been reworked for children in different forms (including the animated film of Disney and others) in this century; and folktales from different parts of the world. The module will conclude with discussion of different theories of myth and the influence of certain mythical stories or collections of myth on contemporary children's literature.

Aims:
This module begins with the discussion of the oral tradition for children and the place of myth and folktale within it. The first part of the module will concentrate on the folktale and fairy-tale. Topics for discussion will include: the main theories of folktales and fairytales; the work of Perrault and the Grimms; nineteenth century fairytales; folktale and women; the way European folktales have been reworked for children in different forms (including the animated film of Disney and others) in this century; and folktales from different parts of the world. The module will conclude with discussion of different theories of myth and the influence of certain mythical stories or collections of myth on contemporary children's literature.

Assessable learning outcomes:
Students must produce a 2500-3000 word essay considering a selection of texts in relation to myth and folktale, and/or addressing issues raised on the module, such as ideas of period, orality, definitions of 'myth', 'legend', and/or 'folktale', and 'low' and 'high' culture. The essay must demonstrate an awareness of relevant theoretical issues and questions, and of how these issues might be included and formulated in the writing of the essay. The essay must therefore demonstrate too the student's ability to reflect on their own critical practices and assumptions, and their ability to revise and adjust their thinking and writing in the light of this reflection.

Additional outcomes:
In addition to the above, students will:
1) be able to formulate questions and recognise relevant problems and complexities.
2) be able to examine and question their own assumptions, arguments and choices of critical languages.
3) be able to analyse arguments made by others in terms of their assumptions and claims, including those of their tutor.
4) be able to read any text - fictional, critical, or non-fictional - closely and be able to analyse its precise use of language.
5) be able to think out loud and engage in peer-group discussion and debate.
6) be able to question notions of authority and think in an independent manner relevant to their own development.

Outline content:
The module includes consideration of a range of critical and theoretical writings on myth and folktale, also, but not only, specifically in relation to children's literature. Further, fictional materials, such as fairy tales and films, are read in relation to ideas of myth and folktale.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module consists of eleven once-weekly classes of one hour's duration. Classes consist of seminars, which students introduce through pre-prepared presentations on a chosen text.

Summative assessment- Examinations:
Not applicable.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
One 2500-3000 word piece of written work (submission date is subject to staff-student committee confirmation every year).

Formative assessment methods:
Formative assessment consists of feedback on seminar participation and extensive feedback on all written work

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:
50%.

Reassessment arrangements:
If the student submits an unsatisfactory coursework essay or assignment, the student will be allowed to re-submit the piece once more after tutorial consultation.
If the student is required to be re-examined on the coursework essays, they may be permitted one calendar month's extension for the subsequent submission of the dissertation.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 10 April 2019