Psychology of reading

Drawing upon social, cognitive, clinical, and personality psychology, this course explores major theories and research within the Psychology of Reading.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will have acquired the following:

Knowledge:

• Understanding of the historical and social parameters that have shaped reading practices from antiquity to the present day.
• Familiarity with the dominant reading practices (i.e., prevailing methods of reading) prevalent in each historical period.
• Knowledge of the fundamental components of the main theoretical approaches to reading.
• Comprehension of reading as a communicative process with written language, introducing students to a communicational perspective of reading.
• Awareness of the basic cognitive capabilities of an individual as a reader.

Comprehension:

• Understanding of the historical and social context that determines dominant reading practices.
• Comprehension of the changes in reading habits and methods of text reception, attributed to the passage of time and the evolution of written communication technologies (e.g., internet technology and e-books), and the ability to identify their causes.

Evaluation:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to evaluate the significance of reading practices and develop frameworks that enhance reading and the reading behavior of library audiences.