Issues in the sociology of books, including children's books

Teacher(s)

Tilleuil Jean-Louis;

Language

French

Prerequisites

None. 

Main themes

Issue of the sociology of the book industry, including books for children. Based on the principle that books are "two-sided realities, commodities and meanings", the first part of this course introduces a series of concepts and data needed to analyze the market of cultural goods, the literary field, its functioning and main actors. A second part is devoted to the book industry and to reading in the french-speaking part of Belgium. Finally, in the third part, the changes appearing in the field of children's literature, as well as the tools needed to analyze this field, are discussed (the comic strip will not be neglected).

Aims

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	Understand what is at stake in a definition of a book as a social object, both in the social and economical sense of the term.

The contribution of this Teaching Unit to the development and command of the skills and learning outcomes of the programme(s) can be accessed at the end of this sheet, in the section entitled “Programmes/courses offering this Teaching Unit”.

Content

Chapters I, II and III introduce the students to the key concepts of the sociology of the book and analyse the functioning of the literary field (constitution and contemporary practices). Chapter IV applies this theoretical background to the sociological study of children's literature (illustrated books, novels and comic strip).

Teaching methods

Ex-cathedra course, with case studies that presents the book as a vehicle of varied values and practices.

Evaluation methods

Assessment : oral exam.

Other information

Course materials : outline, booklet with set texts, and bibliography.

Bibliography

Une bibliographie sélective est communiquée aux étudiants.

Faculty or entity

ROM