WebJunction

Description:

Many cultures, traditions and backgrounds create a diverse society in the United States. Families are culturally blended; but can be geographically or emotionally isolated. The world continues to change, and young people can understand and appreciate diversity or can be divided by it.

These issues are reflected in schools and libraries throughout the country. Literature has the power to break down barriers, develop understanding, introduce people, and provoke discussion of ideas and issues that impact all.

An ability to define and evaluate multicultural literature for children and young people is critical. Adults who can do so are able to introduce readers to books with the power to reinforce an understanding of a complex society, develop empathy, and provide shared experiences among diverse groups.

This course will describe the evaluation of of literature in terms of both literary and extra-literary concerns. It will take you off line to read, think and respond to books which can be shared with readers of all ages.

Objectives

• Be familiar with the history of the presentation of ethnic, racial and cultural groups in literature for children and young adults
• Be able to articulate a definition of multicultural literature that meets the needs of your school/library
• Be able to evaluate multicultural literature in terms of literary and extra-literary considerations
• Gain awareness of additional resources in the field of multicultural literature, how to access and use them