Rdng 403 Fall 2014

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Literature for Children

RDNG. 403 Course Syllabus

Fall 2014

Instructor: Aimee Morewood, Ph.D.

Office Hours: Monday 3:00-4:00pm & online through eCampus by appointment

Class: Monday, 4:00-6:50pm

Course Description:

The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with classic and contemporary literature written for children. The cou rse will help

students develop a background in the various genres within the field of children's literature as well as acquaint themselves with a large

variety of books written for children. It is particularly designed to meet the needs of students seeking an elementary teach ing

credential. The focus in the course, however, is on the literature its elf, not on how to teach it. How to use the literature will beincluded in various methods courses within the elementary education program. This is an interactive course. Students should be

prepared to participate in many in-class group activities and class discussions, as well as partic ipate in online discussion board

postings throughout this course. Please bring all books read to class each week.

Learner Outcomes:

Upon completion of the course, s tudents will:

1. Class ify and evaluate characteristics of different genres in childrens literature.

2. Develop an extens ive file of personal responses to childrens books.

3. Explore in depth the work of one childrens author or illustrator.4. Respond to literature for children in a variety of ways.

5. Critically evaluate childrens literature.

6. Explore racial, cultural, and gender values and biases in children's literature.

Required Textbook

Russell, David. (2011). Literature For Children: A Short Introduction , 7th Ed. NY: Pearson Education, Inc.

Additional Profess ional Articles: Provided in class and/or through eCampus .

Required Childrens Literature Texts Recommended Childrens Literature Texts

Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry

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Course Requirements:

Individual Activities

In-Class Responses-100 total points

This ass ignment includes personal reflections, quizzes, and act ivities that must be completed in class. These ass ignments will varythroughout the semester and can only be completed during class time. Students are not able to make-up any of these ass ignments as

they used as formative asses sment of student learning throughout the semester.

Critical Reading Activities : Picture Book Evaluation & Chapter Book Evaluation-80 points total

Picture Book Evaluation-40 points: The picture book evaluation assignment requires you to select a picture book and

critically evaluate the text and pictures.

Chapter Book Evaluation-40 points: The chapter book evaluation ass ignment requires you to select a piece of childrens

literature that is a chapter book. In this review you will be thinking critically about the literary elements and applying literacy

theories when evaluating the text.

Wide Reading Activity: Themed Annotated Bibliographies -60 points total (20 points each)

In this ass ignment, you will select a theme for each annotated bibliography. W ithin this theme you will cons ider different contentareas the texts will connect to, types of texts, and interest to readers. This ass ignment has three distinct themes and one submiss ion.

Online Discussions-40 points (10 points each)

At various points throughout the course, students will be as ked to pos t comments to the eCampus Discuss ion Board for this course.

The discus sion board is intended to provide an opportunity for increased reflection and discuss ion on books that have been re ad, topics

related to childrens literature, and websites that may be used with future students. It is expected that you will view the discus sio nboard at those times, as well as pos t quality comments to others in the course.

Group Activities

Literature Circles -60 points total (10 points each)

The literature circles as signment provides you with an opportunity to read and respond to different texts through a variety o f role and

perspectives. This as signment will be completed during a variety of class times and cannot be made up if miss ed due to absenteeism.

Author Study-30 points

Each group will select an author to explore and to share with the class. Each group will be expected to learn about the authors

background and body of work, including reading a number of books written by the author. You will then create a s tudy that includes

the authors background, resources about the authors work, and a comparison chart featuring 4 books by the author. For this

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Learner Outcomes, Course Assignments, and Standards:

Course

Assignments

and Learner

Outcomes

In-Class

Responses

Critical

Reading

Activities

Wide

Reading

Activity

Online

Discussions

Literature

Circles

Author

Study

Award

Study

Standards ACEI 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1

ISTE (2008) I, V 2.1 2.1

IRA (2010) 1.2

2.3

5.1

6.2

6.4

2.3

6.2

2.3

6.2

1.2

2.3

5.1

6.2

6.4

2.3

6.2

2.3

5.1

6.2

2.3

5.1

6.2

WVPTS

(from

website in

Fall 2014)

1A-IRP

2F-I

3AD-I

4ABC-I

1A-IRP

3AD-I

4ABC-I

1A-IRP

3AD-I

4ABC-I

1A-IRP

2F-I

3AD-I

4ABC-I

1A-IRPA

3AD-I

4ABC-I

1A-IRP

3AD-I

4ABC-I

1A-IRP

3AD-I

4ABC-I

LO1: Classify

and evaluate

characteristics

of different

genres in

childrens

literature.

X X X X

LO2: Develop

an extens ive

file of personal

responses to

childrens

books.

X X X X X X X

LO3: Explore

in depth the

work of onechildrens

author or

illustrator.

X X

LO4: Respond X X X X X X X

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Assignments and Points

Ass ignment Total Points Frequency of Grading

In-Class Responses 100 points Varied

Critical Reading Activity

1. Picture Book

Evaluati on

2. Chapter Book

Evaluati on

80 (40 points each) Picture Book Evaluation-1x

Chapter Book Evaluation-1x

*see course schedule

Wide Reading Activity:

1. Themed Annotated

Bibliography

2.

Themed AnnotatedBibliography

3. Themed Annotated

Bibliography

60 (20 points each) 1x throughout the semester


Online Discuss ions 40 (10 points each) 4x throughout the semester


Literature Circles 60 (10 points each) 6x throughout the semester


Author Study 30 1x

*see course scheduleAward Study 30 1x


Course Assignment Points & Grades:

The final grade is bas ed upon a point accumulation. The awarding of points for each component will be

based upon work completed within the required time frame and the quality of the work. Grades will beawarded for the point distribution as follows:

A360-400

Exceptional creativity demonstrated in fulfillment of expected criteria. Performancesignificantly exceeds the requirements and qualitative expectations of the course. Superior

mastery of subject matter. Initiative and s elf-direction leading to s ignificant s tudy and related

activity beyond course requirements .

B Fulfilled all expected criteria as stated in ass ignments Performance meets the requirements and

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Social Justice: Wes t Virginia University is committed to social jus tice. I concur with that commitment and

expect to maintain a positive learning environment based upon open communication, mutual respect, and

non-discrimination. Our University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, disability, veteransstatus , religion, sexual orientation, color or national origin. Any suggest ions as to how to further s uch apositive and open environment in this class will be appreciated and given serious cons ideration.

If you are a person with a d isability and anticipate needing any type of accommodation in order to

participate in this class, please advise me and make appropriate arrangements with the Office of DisabilityServices (293-6700).

Academic Integrity and Dishonesty: The academic development of s tudents and the overall integrity of

the institution are primary responsibilities of WVU. Academic dishonesty is condemned at all levels of life,

indicating an inability to meet and face issues and creating an atmosphere of mistrus t, disrespect, and

insecurity. In addition, it is essential in an academic community that grades accurately reflect the

attainment of the individual student. Faculty, s tudents, and administrators have shared respons ibilities in

maintaining the academic integrity es sential for the University to accomplish its miss ion.

For the detailed policy of West Virginia University regarding the definitions of acts cons idered to fall under

academic dishonesty and possible ensuing sanctions, please see Board of Governors Policy 31 at

bog.wvu.edu/policies and the Student Conduct Code at http://www.studentlife.wvu.edu/judicial.html . Note:

The University is evaluating the process of academic dishonesty prosecution and appeal and students

should contact the Office of Student Life/Student Judicial Affairs for current procedures at

http://www.studentlife.wvu.edu/judicial.html .

You can find all Academic Policies and Procedures at:

http://catalog.wvu.edu/undergraduate/coursecreditstermsclassification/

http://catalog.wvu.edu/graduate/enrollmentandregistration/

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Course Schedule

Week Date Topics Required Reading(s) Recommended

Readings

Assignment(s)

Due Dates

Week 1 8/18 WelcomeOverview/History of

Childrens Literature

Childrens Literature and

Child Development

Ch. 1-2

Week 2 8/25 Literary Elements

Diversity

Ch. 3 & Ch. 5

LC 1: The Color of Us

Whoever You Are

9/1 No Class : Memorial Day

Week 3 9/8 Beginning Books Ch. 6 Author Study

PresentationsWeek 4 9/15 Picture Books Ch. 7 Sylvester and the

Magic Pebble

Week 5 9/22 Poetry Ch. 8

LC 2: Out of the Dust

Online Discussion

#1 (postings due

by 9/29)

Week 6 9/29 Biographies Review thes e websites :

http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2005/03/16/27lerner.h24.html

http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson/lesson185.shtml

LC 3: Oh, The Places He Went

Critical Reading

Activity: Picture

Book Evaluation

Due

Week 7 10/6 Informational/Expository

Text

Ch. 12

Week 8 10/13 No Class : Fall Break

Week 9 10/20 Fantas y

(Traditional/Fantasy)

Ch. 9-10

LC 4: The Bunyans

Where the Wild

Things Are

Online Discussion

#2 (postings due

by 10/27)

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Matild a

Week 10 10/27 Science & Historical Fiction PA: Examining the actions of child characters in historical fiction

picturebooks by Catherine StierLC 5: Number the Stars

Week 11 11/3 Contemporary Fiction Ch. 11

Week 12 11/10 Engaging with Childrens

Literature

Ch. 4 Online

Discus sion #3

(postings due by

11/17)

Week 13 11/17 Interest and Motivation Review this website:

http://www.readingrockets.org/article/29625

Critical Reading

Activity:

Chapter Book

Evaluation

11/23 No Class : Thanksg iving

WeekWeek 14 12/1 Controvers ial Texts PA: Falk-Ross, F. and Caplan, J. (2008). The challenge of censorship.

Readin g Today. 25(5).

Review this websi te:

http://www.judyblume.com/censorship.php

LC 6: Higher Power of Lucky

Online

Discus sion #4

(postings due by

12/8)

Week 15 12/8 Childrens Literature and

Technology

Review this website:

http://www.readingrockets.org/article/teaching-interactive-picture-e-

books -grades-k-6

Award Study

Presentations

Wide ReadingActivity: 3

Themed

Annotated

Bibliographies

***The instructor res erves the right to revise, adjust, and adapt both content and schedule.***

Documents

Rdng 403 Fall 2014