ITSF+4013+Literacy+and+Development

Next Offered
Fall 2013

Professor
Lesley Bartlett

Syllabus
 Note: Syllabus is subject to change at the professor's discretion.

Course description
What is the relationship between literacy and development? What are the current trends in international literacy programming, specifically in regards to evaluation, teacher training, and curriculum development? In this course, we examine popular definitions of "literacy" and "development" even as we question the assumption that they are causally related. Adopting a social approach to literacy and language, we survey histories of literacy expansion and literacy campaigns, consider ethnographic studies of literacy in historical, social, and cultural contexts, and evaluate contemporary literacy policies and programs. To do this work, we rely on concepts from and debates in anthropology, sociolinguistics, and applied linguistics, as well as critical studies of development.

The success of this course depends upon the construction of a community of active thinkers, listeners, and readers. You will rely on each other for lively debate, respectful dissension, and conscientious, critical readings of your work. Your participation will take multiple forms. Timely and thoughtful completion of the reading, writing, and oral presentation assignments will contribute to the depth of our classroom discussions and group activities. Discussion itself--both talking and listening--is a critical dimension of participation.

Review
Not available

Student contact information
Not available 