NRF funding for a Postdoctoral Fellowship Department of Graphic Design, University of Johannesburg

Stellenbosch University, the University of Johannesburg and the Nelson Mandela University have launched a collaborative project that investigates the use of wordless picturebooks in the fields of education, adult education and within a culture of reading. We are looking for engaged individuals to support the project and invite applications for an NRF grant holder linked postdoctoral fellowship. The position will be held at the Department of Graphic Design at the University of Johannesburg and The fellowship is awarded for one year and is renewable for another year based on research outputs produced and availability of funds.

Starting date: 1 April 2020 or as soon as possible thereafter

Applications: Open 6 February 2020 and close 25 February 2020.

Description of project Wordless picturebooks, a genre that carries the narrative solely or predominantly through illustrations, are a genre that allow for a book to be read through the interpretation of images, and as such, can be read regardless of the language preference or literacy level of the reader. Despite being widely written about internationally, little research exists on the use of wordless picturebooks in the South African context – both in terms of reading for enjoyment or creating a culture of reading, and in the educational context. One only has to look journals such as The Reading Teacher or conduct an internet search on wordless picturebooks to have access to tips, advice and teaching suggestions that involve the genre. In addition, the majority of research regarding the value of book-sharing has been conducted in the developed world. Yet, children in low income, developing countries are exposed to socio-economic and family risk factors that are often associated with compromised language, intellectual and literacy development (Cooper, Vally, Cooper, Radford, Sharples and Murray 2013: 143). Studies such as those by Martínez, Roldán & Newcomer (2011) indicate that, although by no means a complete solution, wordless picturebooks can be used in a manner that can address some literacy difficulties that learners may encounter - for example second language acquisition. Such books have more recently been used by organisations such as the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY 2018) in projects such as “Silent Books, from the world to Lampedusa and back”, which encourages reading wordless picturebooks as “fast route into the new language” for refugee children in Italy.

This project aims to use existing wordless picturebooks and to develop new community authored wordless picturebooks to a) reach conclusions about the use of WPB among adult readers, 2) to conduct more in-depth research on the use of wordless picturebooks in South African homes and 3) to investigate how these books can be used in the South African educational context, with intermediate phase learners.

Requirements • A PhD in Design, Visual Arts or a related field, obtained within the last 5 years • A South African citizen or holder of a permanent resident certificate. • A research focus on some or all of the following: o Illustration o Picture books o South African children’s literature o Reading cultures and literacy o Teaching reading • Willingness to work in Auckland Park, Johannesburg. • Willingness to travel for research

Additional criteria (preferable) • Proof of accredited publishing capacity • An interest in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its relationship with the Humanities and Social Sciences.

Applications To apply, please send the following to Adrie Haese ([email protected]) by 31 January 2020:

• A certified copy of your ID or passport • Your CV • A certified copy of your PhD degree (if obtained from an international institution, please include your SAQA certificate). • A research statement that outlines your interest in the topic, preferably show previous experience in working with picturebooks / illustration / reading and literacy. • Completed application for admission form

After an internal review of documentation, shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.

Funding The Fellowship is a package of R220 000 per annum and cannot be held concurrently with any work responsibilities or supplementary funding. The fellowship is awarded for one year and renewable for another year based on research outputs produced and availability of funds.

Benefits • A diverse and state-of-the-art working space; • University-wide research support and resources; • Travel and conference opportunities.

Applications and queries Please direct any questions to Dr Adrie Haese, Department of Graphic Design, UJ: [email protected]