This course aims to provide participants with an overview of language acquisition, language, literature and literacy development and how theory and its pedagogical implementation have evolved over time.

Blended learning: 6 three hour sessions (Saturdays and twilights) plus 4 hours online learning.

1. 3000 word critically reflective essay (informed by the reflective learning diary) that analyses how the impact of current language and literacy practices has reframed their own values and attitudes towards children as literacy learners and users in the 21st century. (75%) (LO 1-4) April

This course will provide students with opportunities to:

Examine in detail how children develop and acquire language.

Evaluate their own assumptions, values and beliefs about children as literacy learners and users.

Develop an understanding of theoretical perspectives of language, literature and literacy and how they can be used to analyse literacy development in the family, school and wider community.

Embedded within this module will be opportunities to:

Examine and critique case studies of children 's literacy and language learning in a variety of contexts including digital and visual literature for children.

Evaluate and justify a range of pedagogical strategies appropriate for developing children's language and literacy for the 21st century.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

LO1 Demonstrate an understanding of how children develop and acquire language from multiple cultural and historical perspectives.

LO2 Demonstrate an understanding of and concern for the local and global dimensions that impact on literacy use in the 21st century with respect to issues of diversity, equality, health and well being and social justice using children's texts with appropriate focus.

LO3 Critically evaluate and reflect upon children's experiences of language learning in relation to language learning theory and developing classroom pedagogies (historical and current) and consideration of the place of literature within these pedagogies.

LO4 Apply knowledge in order to challenge and expand their own values and attitudes towards children as literacy learners and users including attitudes towards children's literature as a vehicle for literacy learning.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components of the course's summative assessment. They must achieve 75% attendance and participate in required online sessions.