| Course Name |
(中) 英文繪本概論(2519) |
| (Eng.) An Introduction to English Graphic Texts |
| Offering Dept |
Continuing Bachelor Program in Foreign Languages and Literatures |
| Course Type |
Required |
Credits |
2 |
Teacher |
邱幸珍 |
| Department |
General |
Language |
English |
Semester |
2026-FALL |
| Course Description |
This course provides students with a foundational understanding of English picture books from literary, visual, cultural, and educational perspectives. Students will explore the development and characteristics of picture books and learn how words and illustrations work together to construct meaning. Through selected English picture books, students will be introduced to key concepts such as visual literacy, narrative structure, text-image relationships, multimodality, reader response, and cultural representation.
The course combines theoretical understanding with practical and creative activities. Students will analyze a variety of picture books, discuss their literary and educational value, and explore how picture books can support English language learning. With appropriate assistance from AI and digital tools, students will also experience the process of developing a story, creating illustrations, designing page layouts, and producing their own English digital picture book (e-book). |
| Prerequisites |
|
self-directed learning in the course |
Y |
| Relevance of Course Objectives and Core Learning Outcomes(%) |
Teaching and Assessment Methods for Course Objectives |
| Course Objectives |
Competency Indicators |
Ratio(%) |
Teaching Methods |
Assessment Methods |
1. Understand the fundamental concepts of English picture books, including their characteristics, development, genres, and educational value.
2. Develop visual and literary literacy by examining narrative structure, illustrations, visual elements, and text-image relationships in selected picture books.
3. Analyze and interpret English picture books critically from literary, cultural, multimodal, and educational perspectives.
4. Explore the application of English picture books in language learning and teaching, including storytelling, vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and classroom activities.
5. Apply creative and digital skills to picture book production, using AI appropriately as a supportive tool for brainstorming, language development, illustration, and design to create an original English digital picture book. |
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|
|
| Written Presentation |
| Attendance |
| Oral Presentation |
| Assignment |
| Study Outcome |
| Quiz |
|
| Course Content and Homework/Schedule/Tests Schedule |
| Week |
Course Content |
| Week 1 |
Course Introduction: What Is a Picture Book?
Course orientation and assessment; definition and characteristics of picture books; picture books vs. illustrated books; exploring students’ prior experiences with picture books |
| Week 2 |
The Development of English Picture Books
Brief history and development of picture books; traditional and contemporary picture books; introduction to influential authors and illustrators |
| Week 3 |
Elements of a Picture Book
Cover, endpapers, title page, page spread, typography and layout; how physical and visual elements contribute to meaning |
| Week 4 |
Visual Literacy: Learning to Read Pictures
Color, line, shape, perspective, framing, composition and visual focus; interpreting meaning and emotions through illustrations |
| Week 5 |
Narrative Structure and Storytelling
Setting, characters, plot, conflict, climax and resolution; sequencing, pacing and page turns in picture-book storytelling |
| Week 6 |
Words and Pictures: Text–Image Relationships
How words and illustrations complement, extend or contrast with each other; introduction to multimodality and meaning-making |
| Week 7 |
Reader Response and Picture Book Interpretation
How readers construct meaning; prediction, inference and interpretation; considering children’s perspectives and different readings of the same story |
| Week 8 |
Midterm: Picture Book Analysis & Presentation
Students select an English picture book and analyze its narrative, visual elements, text-image relationship, theme and educational value |
| Week 9 |
Genres and Themes in Picture Books
Fiction, nonfiction, wordless picture books and concept books; common themes such as friendship, family, identity, emotions and the environment |
| Week 10 |
Culture and Diversity in Picture Books
Cultural representation, identity, inclusion and stereotypes; comparing picture books from different cultural perspectives |
| Week 11 |
Picture Books in English Language Learning
Using picture books for vocabulary, grammar, reading, speaking and storytelling; selecting age- and level-appropriate books; designing simple learning activities |
| Week 12 |
From Reader to Creator: Writing a Picture Book
Choosing audience and purpose; developing characters and themes; storyboarding; writing concise, age-appropriate English; introduction to responsible AI-assisted brainstorming and language support |
| Week 13 |
Picture Book Illustration & Visual Storytelling
Illustration styles, character expression, visual sequence, color and perspective; creating visual consistency across pages. |
| Week 14 |
AI & Digital Tools for Picture Book Creation
Using AI appropriately for brainstorming, language support, and illustration; prompt development, AI limitations, copyright and ethical considerations; introduction to e-book creation tools. |
| Week 15 |
Picture Books in English Language Teaching
Selecting suitable picture books for different learners; read-aloud techniques, vocabulary, prediction, discussion, storytelling, and follow-up activities. |
| Week 16 |
Final Assessment: Picture Book Analysis & Application
Demonstrate understanding of major course concepts through analysis, presentation, or practical application of selected English picture books. |
self-directed
learning |
03.Preparing presentations or reports related to industry and academia.
Create Your Own English E-Picture Book
Apply what you have learned to create an original English digital picture book (e-book) with appropriate AI assistance.
• Develop an original story idea and identify your target readers.
• Create a simple story outline and storyboard.
• Write and revise the English text.
• Design illustrations and page layouts with appropriate AI assistance.
• Complete and submit your digital picture book (e-book).
• Include a brief reflection on your creative process and how AI supported your work.
Remember: AI is your creative assistant. Your ideas, choices, and final work should reflect your own creativity. |
|
| Evaluation |
Attendance & Class Participation — 25%
In-Class Activities & Assignments — 20%
Midterm Picture Book Analysis & Presentation — 20%
Self-Learning Portfolio — 15%
Final Presentation & Reflection for your Final Digital Picture Book (E-book) — 20% |
| Textbook & other References |
Salisbury, M., & Styles, M. (2020). Children’s Picturebooks: The Art of Visual Storytelling (2nd ed.). Laurence King Publishing. ISBN-13: 978-1786275738
Supplementary References
Arizpe, E., & Styles, M. (2016). Children Reading Picturebooks: Interpreting Visual Texts (2nd ed.). Routledge. ISBN: 978-1-138-01407-7
Nikolajeva, M., & Scott, C. (2006). How Picturebooks Work. Routledge. ISBN: 978-0-415-97968-9
Serafini, F. (2014). Reading the Visual: An Introduction to Teaching Multimodal Literacy. Teachers College Press. ISBN: 978-0-8077-5471-9 (paperback) |
| Teaching Aids & Teacher's Website |
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| Office Hours |
| Friday 6:20~8:00 by appointment |
| Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs(Link URL) |
| include experience courses：N |
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