Dynamic ecologies in Children’s literature: A cross national comparison

About this opportunity

Applicants for this opportunity must be eligible for Omani Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation funding.

In both Oman and Aotearoa New Zealand literature is alive and well, as evidenced by Oman for example being a guest of honour at the recent 57th annual Cairo International Book Fair, and New Zealand’s annual involvement in both the Frankfurt and Bologna Book fairs. Children’s literature has long been linked to the notion of nation-building and national identity (Omundsen, 2012; Daly, 2016). While there is much research concerning the finished product (the physical or virtual book), and the awards associated with these creations, there does not appear to be much work dedicated to critical analysis of the eco systems (Motawy & Abou Ghaida, 2023) of children’s literature in specific national contexts, nor cross-national comparisons. This PhD proposal invites a PhD candidate to develop a 4-year research programme describing, comparing and critically analysing the eco-systems of children’s literature in the New Zealand and Omani contexts, with the potential of making a novel and important contribution to the field of children’s literature and cross cultural studies. The details of the methodology and precise research questions will be developed by the student under the guidance of the supervisory team ( including Arabic and New Zealand children’s literature specialists); however, they could include interviews and/or surveys with publishers, awards organisations, funding bodies, librarians and educators; and document analysis of relevant policies such as language policies, disability policies and educational policies. The impact of AI on the children’s literature eco-systems in both contexts may also be examined leading to the development of recommendations to relevant stakeholders. The prospective candidate should have a background in children’s literature with some experience in document analysis and research interviews. Supervisors will be ready to start working with the candidate from July 2027 onwards.

Location

The University of Waikato, Hamilton Campus.

Scholarship Value

This opportunity is intended only for applicants eligible or intending to apply through the Omani Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation scholarship pathway. No University, supervisor-held or project-specific funding is currently available to support this PhD outside that scholarship pathway.

• A background in children’s literature
• some experience in document analysis
• some experience in research interviews
• Applicants should be eligible for, or intending to apply for, Omani Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation funding.