Semester:

97-1

Section: E1.00

PREREQUISITE

60 credit hours

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Instructor: S. deCastell ?

Office: 8545mpc

Tel: 291-3627

E-mail: Suzanne_deCastell©sfu.ca

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

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

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.

OBJECTIVES

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.

REQUIREMENTS

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

1.

A book review of one of the supplementary texts - 30%

2.

Mid-term Exam - 30%

3. Final Exam - 40%

REQUIRED READING

Kintgen, E. , Kroll,B. & Rose, M. Perspectives on Literacy Southern Illinois University Press.

RECOMMENDED TEXT:

deCastell, S., Luke, A. & Egan, K. Literacy. Society and Schooling Cambridge University Press, 1986.

SUPPLEMENTARY TEXTS:

(Choose ONE of the following for a book review)

Barton, D., Literacy Blackwell, 1994.

Horseman, J

.

, Something on my Mind The Womens Press.

Mace, J

.

, Talking about Literacy Routledge, 1992.

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

recommended readings.