Children’s Literature

About

The 2026 Children’s Literature Summer School is devoted to transnational perspectives on and translation in and of children’s literature. These central themes are explored from multiple perspectives, incorporating key insights from several fields. Students not only attend dynamic lectures but also participate in interactive workshops and two excursions. The international diversity of our students is viewed as a valuable resource, enriching the classroom experience.

Students choose one of two themes: children’s literature in a transnational context or children’s literature in translation. They follow lectures on both themes, and workshops on their preferred focus.

Course leader

Vanessa Joosen, childlit@uantwerpen.be

Target group

This summer school is mainly targeted at Master's and PhD students, but also open to more senior researchers and professionals with an interest in children’s literature studies.

Participants should have at least completed 3 full years of undergraduate education (Bachelor level) by the time of the summer school.

PhD students are given the opportunity to present their research projects or give a 20-minute paper in two workshops that will be reserved for this purpose. They will be invited to submit an abstract when they register for the summer school.

Course aim

An understanding of (new) research methods for studying children’s literature, such as digital humanities and participatory research.
Knowledge of the terms and theoretical perspectives on children’s literature studies from age studies, cognitive studies, urban studies, and media studies, and the skills to apply these to a text for children.
The skills to participate actively in a discussion on children’s literature. The skills to write a coherent academic paper on a topic related to theme the course.

Fee info

​The tuition fee includes participation in the programme, coffee breaks, 5 lunches, 2 excursions and 1 banquet.