Examining the Role of Children’s Literature in Shaping Societal Ideas at Dublin City University
Recent academic initiatives at Dublin City University (DCU) have highlighted the university’s influential role in advancing research within children’s literature. The Irish Society for the Study of Children’s Literature (ISSCL) Conversation Series, held throughout April and May 2024, showcased prominent DCU scholars engaging with pressing topics on how children’s and young adult literature (YAL) impact societal perceptions around family, ecology, and controversy. These discussions underscore DCU’s commitment to fostering critical dialogue on childhood narratives and their broader cultural implications.
Insights from the ISSCL Conversation Series: Exploring Themes and Controversies in Children’s Literature
The series was structured around three key conversations, featuring experts and PhD researchers from DCU’s School of English. Dr. Jennifer Mooney, a distinguished faculty member and current ISSCL President, led the series by moderating discussions that involved both theoretical exploration and practical insights into children’s literature.
In the first session, titled ‘Family in Children’s and Young Adult Literature’, Dr. Mooney examined how recent literary works influence understanding of family structures. This discussion gained particular relevance in Ireland, especially in light of the recent referendum on constitutional definitions of family. The conversation revealed how children’s and YA texts often challenge traditional family archetypes, presenting alternative models that reflect contemporary societal changes.
The third session, ‘Controversy in Children’s and YALiterature’, brought together editors and contributors of the book Navigating Children’s Literature through Controversy: Global and Transnational Perspectives. It addressed sensitive topics such as gender, identity, and cultural conflicts portrayed in literature for young audiences across different countries. The panel discussed how literature can serve as a platform for dialogue and understanding amidst contentious issues.
DCU’s Contributions to Children’s Literature Scholarship
Beyond the panels, individuals affiliated with DCU have made significant academic contributions to this field. Mairead Jordan, a faculty member in the School of English, contributed to the second conversation, ‘Ecologies in Children’s and YA Literature’, exploring how environmental themes are woven into children’s narratives. Additionally, PhD students like Mairéad Jordan and Allison McBain Hudson are actively involved as members of the ISSCL executive committee, indicating DCU’s strong research presence in this discipline.
Specifically, Allison McBain Hudson recently published a chapter on L.M. Montgomery’s classic Emily of New Moon, as part of a forthcoming collection marking its centennial. Such scholarly work exemplifies how DCU researchers are expanding the global conversation on children’s literature, emphasizing both historical critique and contemporary relevance.
The Impact of Academic Research from Dublin City University
DCU’s engagement with children’s literature extends beyond academia into influential cultural dialogues. The university’s scholars participate in international bodies like ISSCL, which promotes multidisciplinary research and fosters collaboration among researchers, writers, and educators. By sharing insights on controversial issues and societal themes, DCU’s academics contribute to shaping policies and educational approaches that acknowledge literature’s role in nurturing informed and empathetic future generations.
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