Abstracts, Seminar 15 |
The abstracts are copied as received. |
Relationships between the political reality and the culture(s) of a country, its comtemporary stories and myths...
Author María García Esperón , Mexico
Dr. Janelle B. Mathis, Texas , USA
Ms. Takako Naito , Japan
imagination for 70 years” (Abstract 96) Teacher MA Anne Christen Hansen, Denmark
• „History as Reflected in Harry Potter Books“ (Abstract 102) Professor Gülcin Alpöge , Turkey
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Cleopatra Selene: a girl in the crossroad of cultures
Hellenism can be defined as a point in History in which different stories and myths met and melted. An emergent power like Rome , full of strength and ambition meets and melt with the millenarian Egypt that is ruled by the Ptolemies, a dynasty descendant of rude Macedonians conquerors that wanted to be refined Athenians. The historic personalities: Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, Marc Antony, Octavius, Herodes… configure geopolitics wile they deal with their myths and deities; Cleopatra is Venus and Isis, Marc Antony is Dyonisos and Hercules. There is a full drama: love and death, ambition and defeat. Marc Antony and Cleopatra kill themselves when they realize the death of their dreams, but they leave their children: Cleopatra Selene, Alexander Helios and Ptolemy Philadelphus. These young people will inherit a world of contradictions and sorrow and loneliness but also of incredible beauty. Through a piece of writing – Dear Alexandria - Cleopatra Selene, a 14 years old girl that has been forgotten by History begins to tell her story as a long epistola addressed to her city. In the making of memories she discovers that memories change with the person that remembers that she can through language and poetry make History accomplish its full sense and significance in the letters that tell her own story.
María García Esperón Basic relevant biographical data
Mexican writer born in Mexico City in 1964. She studied Humanities in the University Claustro de Sor Juana and made studies of Classics in the UNAM. She writes about cultural topics for the Mexican diaries El Debate de Sinaloa, Noticias de Oaxaca , Tribuna de Campeche , Noticias de Querétaro . With her first novel, “El disco del tiempo” ( The disc of time ) she obtained the Premio Barco de Vapor 2004 , of Ediciones SM and CONACULTA. Her book of poems for children “Tigres de la otra noche” ( Tigers of the other night) won the Premio Hispanoamericano de Poesía para Niños 2005 , given by the Fundación para las Letras Mexicanas and the Fondo de Cultura Económica. With the novel “Querida Alejandría” ( Dear Alexandria ) she obtained the Premio Latinoamericano de Literatura Infantil y Juvenil Norma Fundalectura 2007. She wrote and published by herself the books for children and young readers “Las cajas de China ” ( The boxes from China ), “Berenice la sirena” ( Berenice the Siren ), “Mi abuelo Moctezuma” ( My grandfather Moctezuma ), “El disco del cielo” ( The disc of Sky ) , “El disco de Troya” ( The disc of Troy ) and “Sibila”.
mailto:direccion@ibbymexico.org.mx
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Recent Perspectives of Historical Events and Social Issues in Children's and Adolescent Literature
Abstract : Representations of the past found in children's literature are filled with events and situations that speak to a country's identity, although often it is an imagined identity that frequently results in a highly sentimental and ideologically narrow view . Traditionally, the stories told do not include diverse events and not-so-ideal perspectives that are part of any country's history. However, many titles published in the last decade address such difficult social issues. Based in the belief that literature depicting perspectives that go outside this ideal identity can be a significant vehicle for young readers to consider holistically their country's identity, this paper provides a critical examination of selected books representing the past that support a critical approach to literacy--give voice to those traditionally silenced, make evident the differences that position one group above another, and invite young readers to take action toward change. The titles used here are from recent children's literature of the USA that depicts historical situations typically omitted from US history for young readers. However, the focus on books that challenge one to rethink the perception of the ideal country and invite inquiry into the stories of the struggles of diverse people is for all nations.
Biographical Information: See attached sheet.
Contact Details: (preferred address) Dr. Janelle B. Mathis 3609 Forrestridge Dr. Denton, TX 76210-5547
or
Dr. Janelle B. Mathis University of North Texas Department of Teacher Education and Administration Box 310740 Denton , TX 76203-0740
Office phone: 940-565-2754 Office fax: 940-565-4952
D r. JANELLE B. MATHIS, Associate Professor Department of Teacher Education and Administration, University of North Texas
Areas of Expertise: Children's Literature, Literacy, Multicultural Education, Teacher Education Ph.D.: Received in 1994 from Dept. of Language Reading and Culture, University of Arizona Select Professional Activities and Responsibilities Related to Children's Literature 2007-present Children's Literature Special Interest Group Vice President Of International Reading Association 2007-present Notable Books for the English Language Arts Selection Committee member 2005-present Notable Books for a Global Society Selection Committee member 2005-present USBBY Newsletter Editor 2005-present USBBY membership committee 2005-present Children's Literature Assembly of the Membership committee co-chair National Council of Teachers of English 2003-present Children's Literature Special Interest Board Member Group of the International Reading Association
Recent Select Publications Giorgis, C., Mathis, J., & Bedford, A. (2007). Finding our stories through her stories: Strong females in the global tapestry. In Hadaway, N. & McKenna, M., Eds., Notable books for a global society: Ten years. International Reading Association. Mathis, J. (2006). Children's literature: Valuing and validating language and culture. In P. Dam & M. T. Cowart, (Eds.), Cultural and linguistic issues for English language learners (pp. 142-166). Denton , TX : Texas Woman's University. Mathis, J. (2005). A class act. Curriculum Connections , 2(2), 12-16. Mathis, J. (2005). Various (20) essays on authors in Bernice Cullinan, Ed., The Continuum Encyclopedia of Young Adult Literature , New York : Continuum Publishing. Mathis, J. (2005). Professional resources: Discovery and dialogue around children's literature. Journal of Children's Literature , 30(2). Mathis, J. (2005). Professional resources: An ongoing focus on child-centered instruction. Journal of Children's Literature , 30(1), 98-103. Mathis, J. and Patterson, L. (2004). Literacy to Inform and Transform: Empowering Lessons from Children's Literature. In C. Fairbanks, J. Worthy, B. Maloch, J. Hoffman, and D. Schallert, Eds. 53 rd Yearbook of the National Reading Conference, p. 264-280. Oak Creek , Wisconsin : National Reading Conference. Recent Select Presentations Mathis, J. (June 2007). Addressing Democracy through Children's and Adolescent Literature: Communities Where Social Justice Thrives. Paper Presented at 15 th European Reading Cnference , Berlin , Ger. Mathis, J., Johnson, S., Sarker, A. Taliaferro, C., Walker, K. (December 2006). Recent Research on Children's Literature: Positioning Readers as Community Members. Paper presented at the meeting of the National Reading Conference, Los Angeles , CA . Mathis, J. (November 2006). Keeping the Love of Literature Alive in this Age of Mandates and Testing. Co-Chair and Discussant of this Children's Literature Session at the meeting of the National Council of Teachers of English, Nashville , TN. Mathis, J. (October 2006). Grappling with Social Justice through Children's Literature: A Fork in the Rivers of World , Self, and Knowledge . Paper presented at the meeting of the College Reading Association, Pittsburgh , PA. Mathis, J. (August 2006). Illustrating Hungarian Children's Literature . Participated in Children's Literature Symposium: Bridging the World Through Hungarian Children's Literature. International Reading Association 21 st World Congress on Reading , Budapest , Hungary . Mathis, J. as part of NBGS Committee, (2006, May). Notable Books for a Global Society Presentation. International Reading Association, Chicago , IL .
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• Topic Ecological C onsciousness E choed in C ontemporary Japanese C hildren's B ooks
2. Abstract The last time on the environmental doomsday clock read 9:31p.m. If we don't start taking action against the environmental crises of our planet earth as a matter of great urgency, the coming generations, not only our children but the lives of everyone and everything , will not be able to avoid desperate times ahead. Firstly this paper briefly surveys various contemporary Japanese children's books that illustrate this situation and help develop child readers' awareness and appreciation of environmental issues. Among the books to be included are biographies, pictorial reference books of science, quiz books, photo story books, picture books, and non-fiction, fiction and fantasy books . Secondly this paper examines the power of narrative , which can raise child readers' awareness of the environment with a profound impact. The roles of some traditional Japanese legendary characters and newly created characters in fantasies that symbolically represent nature itself or elicit the relationship between humanity and nature will also be explored.
3. Basic relevant biographical data Takako NAITO I took a Master's degree in 1996 and completed a Doctoral taught course in 1999 at Shirayuri College . I lecture at Daito Bunka University , Showa Women's College, Shirayuri College in Tokyo Japan . I teach British children's literature (especially fantasies for children), theatre for children and British culture. My essays are “Condensed-Milk Magic: Functions of Food in Michael Morpurgo's Books for Children”, “A Study on William Blake's ‘Vision' in Skellig ”, “A Study on Alan Garner's Fantasies: Dramaturgy of Sympathizing Times”, “Philip Ridley's Dramas for Children and Magic Realism” etc. “ E nvironmental study of children's literature ? comparing British fantasy with Japanese fantasy” and “ Symbolism of characters and imaginative places in children's literature” are my research in progress. I became a JBBY member in 2001.
4. contact details email: takako.naito@nifty.com tel & fax: +81-3-3455-3718 home address: Shiba Park Tower 309, 3-34-1 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo , Japan #105-0014
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Papelucho : Why the protagonist of a children's book has captured Chile 's imagination for 70 years.
Papelucho, an eternal eight-year-old who sprang from the brain of his creator, Chilean writer Esther Huneeus (“Marcela Paz”) in 1935, continues to fascinate the national imagination. More than 70 years on, the 12 books that tell his adventures, in the form of a diary, are still required reading for Chilean children and still a significant shared reference for most of their parents. A middle class child in a world of maids and forgetful or neglectful parents, his clothes and his speech may be old-fashioned, and he may know nothing of computers, mobile phones or MP3s. But his relationship with an adult world that largely ignores him, or notices him only to scold or punish him, is highly contemporary. This paper explores some issues of communication between children and adults in Chile in the 21 st century.
Anne C. Hansen Centro Chileno Nordico de Literatura Infantil
ANNE CHRISTEN HANSEN, from Denmark , has lived for long periods of her life in Chile , where her two sons and five grandchildren are based. A primary school teacher by training, with a master's degree in Spanish literature and language from the University of Copenhagen as well as a diploma in art therapy, her own frustration with the lack of good children's books in Chile, as in much of Latin America, led her, in 1997, to set up a small children's library in a kindergarten for children in a tough neighbourhood of Santiago. The 200 or so books were donated by the Danish National Library or bought cheaply in flea markets, and translated into Spanish by a group of native Spanish speakers in Denmark and Chile . The initiative grew into another, public library in Valparaiso , set up in 2001, and a second, the same year, in another conflictive neighbourhood, also in Valparaiso . This enterprise became the Centro Chileno Nordico de Literatura Infantil, a thriving NGO staffed by volunteers, both Chileans and foreigners, who run the two libraries, offer workshops for children and adults, and visit schools to read and encourage reading for pleasure. The workshops have borne fruit with a magazine, Calcetin con papa , written and produced by the children, and a first set of easy reader books, published in October 2007, and inspired by the Danskfidus programme. Anne Hansen plays an active role in the Centre, inspiring new projects and fund raising to maintain its activities.
Personal information Date of birth: 04 June 1934. Nationality: Danish
EducationMaster's degree in Spanish literature and language, University of Copenhagen , (1992). Folkeskolelærer fra Århus Semonarium Pedagogía básica, Escuela Normal, Dinamarca, 1953. Work experience • Teacher, training for reading promotion for kindergarten teachers of the national kindergarten association (JUNJI) and others, Valparaíso. (2001-2005) • Creation of classroom libraries and reading clubs in kindergartens, (2004-2005) • Creation of the Centro Chileno Nórdico de Literatura Infantil, Valparaíso (2001) • Creation of a children's library for NGO La Caleta , La Legua , Santiago (1997) • Art therapy studies and diploma (1995-1998) • Creativity workshops with children and adults (1995-1998) • Interpreter, translator, Copenhagen (1990-1995) • Danish teacher for foreign language students (1978-1990) • English teacher, Instituto Chileno-Norteamericano, Santiago (1963-1978) • School teacher, Denmark (1961-1963).
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History as Reflected in Harry Potter Books
In my paper I am going to try to show the relationship between political reality and contemporary stories. I am going to refer to Harry Potter books and try to show how history is reflected in these books, especially in the 6th and 7th book. These two books seem to have older readers because they are written as Harry himself advances in his school years and is older. Because of this, I believe, it has been possible to consider more complex issues in these books. It is interesting that the 6th book starts directly with a “muggle” Prime Minister who seems to feel almost helpless with all the undesirable things that were happening. In the book they are happenings of the dark magic world but in reality we can easily see the parallel with a Prime Minister feeling helpless when confronted with terrorist acts. In the 7th book the persecution of “muggle born wizards” and the “hearings” at the basement of the Ministry reminds one of the persecution of Jews during the World War II and also persecution of people in general who are not in tune with a dictator. Biographical dataGülçin Alpöge Gülçin Alpöge was born in Istanbul , Turkey . She graduated with a B.A. degree from the American College in Turkey in 1955. She received her M.A. degree in Education from New York University and her PhD in Psycholinguistics from the University of Istanbul . She became Proffessor in 2002. She is currently working at Bogaziçi University in the Faculty of Education. She gives a course on “Children's Literature”.
Writing was a hobby until she went to France . During her stay there she turned to writing for pre-school children. Having worked as a pre-school teacher she knows the kinds of questions young children ask and in her stories she uses these questions as a point of departure. She also rewrites fairy tales and folk tales. She writes in Turkish and has published 28 books in her country and has a CD where she reads her own stories for children.
Contact details
e-mail : alpoge@boun.edu.tr Address: Aytar Caddesi No.32 Levent 34340 Istanbul , Turkey Telephone: 00902122643252 Fax: 00902123259419
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