Children’s Literature (MA) / Library and Information Science (MS)
Faculty
Please see Children’s Literature and School of Library Science programs in this Catalog for faculty lists.
Description
The Master of Arts (MA) in Children’s Literature and the Master of Science (MS) in Library and Information Science dual degree program integrates theory and practice. Students work with an advisor from each program to tailor their studies with an eye toward professional goals. The program examines literary history and considers collection development for children and young adults. Students will consider far-ranging critical frameworks and assess children's and young adult texts to bring to readers. MA/MS students contextualize their own research in contemporary nonfiction for young people as nonfiction intersects with an educational common core to create tomorrow’s scientists, activists, humanists, readers, and writers.
Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the learning outcomes for the MA in Children’s Literature and the MS in Library and Information Science in this Catalog.
Requirements for entry into program
Please refer to the admission requirements for the MA in Children’s Literature and the MS in Library and Information Science in this Catalog.
Applying for Entry to the MA/MS Dual Degree Program as a Single Degree Student:
Students currently matriculated in the MA or MS degree program may apply for entry to the MA/MS (Children’s Literature and Library Science) dual degree program.
Applications for the dual degree program must be submitted before the student completes 12 credit hours of coursework in a single degree program.
To apply for acceptance to the dual degree program, students who are currently matriculated in a single degree program should consult with their current program director to initiate the process of application to the second degree. The application fee will be waived for these students. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis by the Admissions staff and the degree program directors
Degree Requirements
58-60sixty credits (depending on electives chosen) are required for the dual degree MA/MS.
Graduate students in the MA/MS dual degree program typically carry between 10-12 credits in the fall, spring, and summer semesters and must carry credits in each degree program (in the MA and in the MS) each semester. Students considering registering for more than 12 credits per term must consult with the graduate program director.
Unless otherwise noted, all Library and Information Science courses are three credits and all Children’s Literature courses are four credits; two credit courses must be combined into four credit packages to meet elective requirements.
With careful planning, students may choose the School Library Teacher preparation within the LIS courses and with intentional use of their general electives across CHL and LIS. Early consultation with the LIS program advisor is highly recommended.
Library Science Requirements
The program consists of seven courses in Library and Information Science (21 credit hours) in the following categories
Three core courses in Library and Information Science (totaling 9 credits):
| LIS 415 | Information Organization | 3.00 |
| LIS 407 | Information Sources & Services | 3.00 |
| LIS 488 | Technology for Information Professionals | 3.00 |
Two courses describing children’s library collections (6 credits)
| LIS 481 | Library Collections and Materials for Children | 3.00 |
| LIS 483 | Library Collections and Materials for Young Adults | 3.00 |
One of the following courses related to programs and services (totaling 3 credits):
| LIS 412 | Library Programs and Services for Young Adults | 3.00 |
| LIS 482 | Library Programs and Service for Children | 3.00 |
One of the following courses related to professional practices (totaling 3 credits):
| LIS 422 | Literacy & Services to Underserved Populations: Issues & Responses | 3.00 |
| LIS 423 | Storytelling | 3.00 |
| LIS 450 | Public Libraries | 3.00 |
Childrens Literature Requirements
Required and Elective Courses
| CHL 401 | Criticism of Literature for Children | 4.00 |
| CHL 403 | The Picturebook | 4.00 |
| CHL 413 | Contemporary Realistic Fiction | 4.00 |
| CHL 414 | Fantasy and Science Fiction | 4.00 |
|
CHL 4XX
History elective/s
|
Coursework in the history
of children's literature,
selected from courses with
a chronological focus.
|
To total 4.00 |
|
CHL 4XX
General elective
|
General electives. |
To total 4.00 |
The remaining credits are completed by drawing from a variety of two- and four-credit elective courses. Electives cover a range of academic and professional interests. See the list of general electives above in the Department page.
Capstone and Program Electives
Dual Degree Program Capstone Course (4 credits):
| CHL 437 | Special Topics in Children's Literature | 4.00 |
Dual Degree Program Electives
|
CHL 4XX
General elective/s
LIS electives
|
Elective courses in CHL
and/or LIS.
Note: When CHL electives
carry two credits, they
must be combined with
another two credit course;
thus all CHL electives
come in four credit groupings
|
To total 9-12.00 |
See the list of general Children's Literature electives at the Department page.
Licensure, certification, etc.
Simmons University’s School of Library and Information Science is accredited by the American Library Association Committee on Accreditation.