ABSTRACT
Australian children’s literature is a relatively new subfield of Australian studies at Chinese universities. One such course has been offered at Inner Mongolia Normal University since 2018, both online and offline, for teacher education majors with no prior knowledge of Australian culture. Using theories of critical thinking and task-based teaching, this curriculum is localised through its design comprising of weekly variations of teaching activities, a semester project, and interweaving of the students’ local cultures. This chapter reports the implementation of this course and the reception of it by students. A four-year longitudinal study was conducted, involving surveys among over 300 students across 17 classes, as well as observations and reflections from instructors. Results indicate that students have gained expected and unexpected knowledge, competence, and understanding of both Australian children’s literature and Australian culture. The students’ local cultures were also reflected in the coursework. However, the students’ feedback regarding the teaching and readings has highlighted their needs for a better understanding of Australian children’s literature, society, and culture. This course has explored new perspectives and expanded potential of Australian studies in China.
