EDUC4840 Myth, Magic & Mystery: Psychological Insights into the World of the Child

This topic explores the ways in which the mediums of children's literature, film and story-telling can access the psychological world of the child through imagination, affect and thought. Gaining insight into children's psyches, and understanding the power of story to both describe and transform experience, are empowering for the students in this topic. Students are encouraged to look beyond the written word to interpret the elements of story, including symbolism, character and mythology, and understand the mechanisms which can lead to a deeper understanding of the human condition, self-knowledge and transformation. Students will gain insights into how the teacher/ clinician/ counsellor may draw upon these mechanisms to enhance children's learning and development.

This topic aims to:

• Identify the essential elements of story and how the mediums of children's literature, film and story-telling make use of myth, magic and mystery
• Explore the appeal for children of myth, magic and mystery
• Develop an understanding of the psychological mechanisms underpinning myth, magic and mystery in everyday life
• Enhance students' personal growth, sensitivity and confidence in managing student learning, affect and well-being
• Extrapolate how teachers, clinicians and school counsellors can use myth, magic and mystery to enhance the development, learning and well-being of children

1. Use a topic vocabulary appropriately to describe elements of story, aspects of human development and psychology described in this topic
2. Find an example of a quest story and explain its appeal for children
3. Relate the quest motif to key aspects of the child's development
4. Explain how a critical issue in a child's life can impact on the human condition
5. Critically evaluate how story can be used sensitively and therapeutically