International Research Centre: Children's Literature, Literacy and Creativity
Founded in 1999 The International Centre for Research in Children's Literature, Literacy and Creativity is an exciting research partnership between the English Division of the Institute of Humanities and Creative Arts and the Institute of Education. The combination of research in Children's Literature, Literacy and Creativity is unique to Worcester both nationally and internationally. The members of the Centre have a wide range of expertise which is reflected in terms of excellence in research, teaching at Undergraduate and Masters levels, and PhD supervision.
The strong international dimension is particular to the Centre, for example in the Masters programme: Children’s Literature: International Perspectives, the publications of Centre members and research projects run by the Centre plus the individual work of Centre members. Worcester is unique in having two professors in Children’s Literature, Prof Jean Webb and Prof Judith Elkin, in addition to Prof Maria Nikolajeva as Hon. Professor in Children’s Literature.
The rationale of the International Centre for Research in Children’s Literature, Literacy and Creativity is to:
- further develop a collaborative approach to research in Children's Literature, Literacy and Creativity
- enhancing and develop independent research in these fields
- to engage in research and publication which has international relevance
Research carried out by the Centre clearly demonstrates an interdisciplinary approach. There is a consciousness engagement with subject development from international perspectives combined with a strong sense of cultural consciousness with the interpretation of text as being central. In terms of activities, the Centre has an inclusively ‘outreach’ approach through the events which we run by adding to the cultural experience and awareness within the region.
The areas covered by the Centre are as follows
- Children's Literature including children’s literature internationally, incorporating a comparative approach combined with a Literary and Cultural Studies base: Prof. Jean Webb
- Literacy: Dr Robyn Cox
- Primary Literacy and New Technology: Dr. Bob Fox
- Literature, Personal Development, Children’s Literature 1930-1952: Dr. Stephen Bigger
- Children’s Theatre and Drama: David Broster
- Folklore and Film studies: Dr Mikel Koven
Our approach is to incorporate the expertise and research into the experiences of
- Primary school children through events
- Teacher Education students by building the work of the Centre into their courses
- In-Service Teachers, by providing courses and a local meeting point
- Postgraduate Students at PhD, MPhil and MA levels
- Academics both nationally and internationally through publication and conferences.