SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY 46

EDUCATION 341-3

LITERACY, EDUCATION AND CULTURE ?

(E1.00)

Fall Semester, 1994

Instructor:

Dr. S. deCastell

(September 5-December 6)

Office:

MPX 8545

Tuesdays, 16:30 - 19:20

Phone:

291-3627

Location: MPX 9511/12

Messages:

291-3395

PREREQUISITE:

60 Hours of credit.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course provides an introduction to the study of literacy from an interdisciplinary perspective. We shall

explore the origins of western literacy, the conditions which favored its development and the role of literacy in

sodal evolution, the economic and cultural values of literacy, and the effects of literacy on cognitive processes.

Of particular interest is the reliance on formal educational institutions for the mass transmission of literacy.

We will be looking in some detail at the varying conceptions of literacy that educators have traditionally

valued, and we will be looking at some of the current research and scholarship that attempts to explain, justify

and prescribe educational practices intended to increase literacy.

PURPOSE:

By the end of the course, students should be able to identify, analyze, and justify or criticize the aesthetic,

communicative, cognitive and socially-transformative consequences attributed to or associated with the

acquisition of literacy. They should know something of its history and be aware of the range of definitions

traditionally currently given to literacy. They should have some understanding of the distinctive contributions

of conceptual study and empirical research into literacy, and understand both the capacities and limitations of

each of these approaches to literacy, research and practice.

EVALUATION:

Grades are based upon four components: (alternative means of evaluation negotiable!)

1. consistent and active participation in seminars, including presentations

of assigned course readings .......................................................................................20%

2. a book review of one of the supplementary texts ............................................................30%

3.

mid-term exam ............................................................................................................20%

4.

a final exam, for which study questions will be provided in advance .............................30%

REQUIRED TEXTS:

Perspectives

on

Literacy.

Kintgen, E. Kroll, B. and Rose, M. Southern Illinois University Press.

Broken Words.

Calamai, Peter. Southam Press.

SUPPLEMENTARY TEXTS:

Literacy, Society and Schooling.

A Reader (eds. S. deCastell, A. Luke and K. Egan). Cambridge University

Press, Cambridge, 1986.

Literacy.

D. Barton. Blackwell, 1994.

Something on my Mind...

J

.

Horseman. The Womens Press.

Talking about Literacy. J.

Mace. Routledge, 1992.

Additional readings will be made available to students at cost.

A detailed outline of topics and schedule of readings will be made available at the first class, along with a list

of recommended readings.