Course Syllabus
ENGLISH 203, CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
Spring 2012
Class: Children’s Literature
Time: 8:00-9:15 TH, FA 202
Professor: Bill Clemente
Office: FA 137
Office Telephone Number: (402-) 872- 2233
Office Hours: 11:00-1:00 p.m. MW; 12:00-2:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 11:00-1:00 p.m. Friday.
Teaching Schedule:
8:00-9:15 TH (FA 202): Literature for Children Through Adolescence
9:30-10:45 TH (FA 202): World Literature to 1500
On-line, Science Fiction Literature and Film (Second Eight Weeks)
On-line, Writing for Publication (First Eight Weeks)
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E-Mail: bclemente@peru.edu
Homepage: Click here.
Required Texts:
The Norton Anthology of Children’s Literature by Zipes, Paul, Vallone, etc.
Growing Up Chinese by Gene Luen Yang
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Please pay close attention to class announcements, for the information collected here is subject to change over the course of the term.
Course Description and Objectives: This course provides a survey of literature for children through adolescence
with an emphasis on applying the principles of valuation to selected books from both traditional and modern picture books, poems, and stories.As a quick glance at your major anthology's table of contents emphasizes, you will read a rich variety of material this term. In addition to fairy tales, folk tales, and myths, the course investigates some of the following material: picture books, poetry, science fiction, modern fiction, fantasy, non-fiction, and drama.
This course focuses on literature for children from preschool through adolescence; and the course seeks to give you both an appreciation of the literature's worth and the confidence necessary for you to present the material in a classroom setting.
To that end, we will read a wide variety of literature from various genres and discuss how children respond to the stories and how you can meet their specific needs. You will find, among other things, that the literature is far from simple and, properly presented, can play a major role in a young person's education.
In addition to reading assignments in our texts, you will read and comment on three children's books of your choice. As your anthology of fairy tales indicates, our modern stories often find their roots in classic fairy tales, narratives that continue to engage readers of all ages. And looking at internet links to award-winning literature will provide you with wonderful reading choices found at most libraries.
Children's Literature identifies a significant field of study and, if properly presented to youngsters, teaches them a great deal about themselves, their culture, and the world around them. The class likewise provides excellent reading for all members of the class for the writings appeal to both children and adults.
This semester, we also read a novel by Gene Luen Yang, an award-winning author of a graphic novel for adolescents, and a dystopian novel by Lois Lowry, The Giver, a novel that earned multiple awards. In addition, we will read this term the Newberry Award Honor Book and modern fairy tale Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine.
You will also have an opportunity to read a novel of your choice for your book analysis reports. As you will come to realize through class discussion and by reading essays about the literature included in your anthologies, this literature addresses concerns that affect youngsters on a daily basis, both personal and social.
The class also offers a helpful history of Children's Literature and the multiple issues and controversies that inform this important literature.
Other Goals and Objectives: Literature for Children Through Adolescence seeks, of course, to make you a better teacher of literature after you graduate from Peru State and begin your professional careers.
The course will also make you a better reader of all literature; for while what is often called "Kiddie Literature" does focus on readings for youngsters, you will find that this literature is very sophisticated and comes in many forms, most of which appeal likewise to adults.
The literature also connects with issues at the center of social change and conflict, from questions about single-parent families to the need for our children to become better aware of the different cultures that make up the world around them. Thus, while the course seeks to fulfill the English Department's goal to produce knowledgeable and effective teachers, Literature for Children Through Adolescence also reinforces the college's mission to graduate informed citizens.
Given that students also write numerous essays, the class also supports the General Education goals to develop effective critical writing and thinking skills.
Upon completion of this course you should be able to:
1. Discuss with some confidence the history of this engaging literature.2. Appreciate the sophistication of the various genres of Children's Literature, from Fairy Tales to YA Fiction.
3. Understand the importance of this literature and the recurring conflicts it triggers.
4. Read and discuss with enhanced understanding this significant literature.
5. Show improvement in writing and analytical skills.
At the beginning of the course, we will discuss how these objectives fit into the College’s and School’s mission and goals.
Expectations & Instructional Approach
In addition to lecture materials offered by the instructor, students in this class will engage in discussions over reading material. Using films and other media, the instructor and the class will work to grasp the significance of this literature often seen as simple, from the complexity of Picture Books to the importance of Fairy Tales.
Assessment Methods and Student Requirements
To promote academic integrity, Peru State College subscribes to an electronic service to review papers for the appropriate citations and originality. Key elements of submitted papers are stored electronically in a limited access database and thus become a permanent part of the material to which future submissions are compared.
Continued enrollment in a course signifies your permission for this use of your written work.
Should you not wish to agree to this procedure, you may drop the course during the add/drop period before any works are completed and submitted.
Grades: Your grade will be based upon the following (subject-to-change) percentages:
Attendance: 10
Quizzes: 16
Alphabet Book Essay: 10
Three Book Analysis Reports: 24
Midterm Examination: 20
Final Examination: 20
Grading Policy:
A 90-100
B+ 86-89
B 80-85
C+ 76-79
C 70-75
D+ 66-69
D 60-65
F Below 60
Quizzes: Every two weeks, you will take short quizzes over the assigned readings--you must take these quizzes during the week assigned and in the time allotted. These multiple-choice/true-false tests seek to ensure that each of you keeps up with the assigned readings. If you read carefully, take notes, and watch the quiz-review videos, you should do very well on these quizzes.
In general, quizzes will be available from Thursday afternoon until Sunday at midnight every two weeks.
Attendance:
Come to class prepared to take part in discussions, for they will help you generate ideas for your essays on the exams and for short writing assignments. Failing to attend class on a regular basis will hinder your progress.
If you must miss class, contact me or a member of the class to get the assignment; all assignments will be posted on the class web page and on Blackboard
Attendance counts for 10% of the final grade, and each of you begins the semester with a grade of A, 100%, for attendance. Not attending class lowers this grade at the rate of 5% for the first two absences and 10% for each subsequent non-attendance.
Nonwestern Literature is a discussion class, so come to class prepared to talk about the matter at hand and to enjoy interacting with your fellow readers.
Essay Assignments: Over the course of the semester, you will also write essays over class material.
You will write an Alphabet Analysis and three Book Analysis Reports, each 2.5-3 double-spaced pages. In addition, each of the two examinations will include a short essay in addition to other requirements.
Book Analysis Reports: You will also read and write about (3) children's books from the campus library and other sources; for each book, you will write a short analysis (2.5-3, double-spaced pages) in which you relate the material to issues and subjects discussed in class and in the texts--especially the chapter introductions. In other words, you will emphasize, as work from previous students indicates, analysis over plot summary.
You should try to complete at least one report by the midpoint in the term to avoid end-of-the-semester panic. In addition, you must cover the following material discussed in greater detail at this link:
An adolescent novel
A modern rendering of a classic fairy tale or a fable of your choice
A myth and/or legend
A picture book or a graphic novel
In addition to covering the preceding types and genres, one work must come from a non-western culture. You will discover plenty of material in the college library, in your local libraries, and a book stores.
And at this site, you will find further information about these Book Analysis Reports.
Revisions: For most written assignments, you will have an opportunity to revise work and to elevate the grade.
Bear in mind, however, that a rewrite does not automatically raise the essay's grade. If the revised essay receives a higher mark than the original, the better grade goes into the book, replacing the earlier effort. A revision never lowers your grade.
Plagiarism:
Do your own work. Read the statement on Academic Dishonesty later in this document.
Plagiarism comes in a number of forms--from using another person's work to cutting and pasting without source acknowledgment from the internet.
Plagiarism will result in a zero for the assignment and will if repeated result in failure of the class.
If you have questions about plagiarism, see me.
ATTENTION:
In general, revisions are due a week after the assignment is returned.
Peer Evaluation: I will post some class work on the class web page to help all of you compose effective revisions.
These readings will also expand your knowledge of and appreciation of the course material.
Due Dates and Late Material: Turn in all work on assigned dates. If you must turn in something after the due date, let me know in advance.
Turn in all written work using the appropriate link(s) on Blackboard.
Grades for unexcused late work will be lowered at the rate of one-half a grade for each day after the initial due date. Pleases turn in all work on time.
Incomplete Coursework Policy
To designate a student’s work in a course as incomplete at the end of a term, the instructor records the incomplete grade (I). Students may receive this grade only when serious illness, hardship, death in the immediate family, or military service during the semester in which they are registered prevents them from completing course requirements. In addition, to receive an incomplete, a student must have completed substantially all of the course’s major requirements.
Unless extenuating circumstances dictate otherwise, students must initiate requests for an incomplete by filling out an Incomplete Grade Completion Contract, which requires the signature of the student, instructor, and Dean. The Incomplete Grade Completion contract cites the reason(s) for the incomplete and details the specific obligations the student must meet to change the incomplete to a letter grade. The date by which the student agrees to complete required work must appear in the contract. The Dean, the instructor, and the student receive signed copies of the Incomplete Grade Completion Contract.
Even if the student does not attend Peru State College, all incomplete course work must be finished by the end of the subsequent semester. Unless the appropriate Dean approves an extension and if the student does not fulfill contract obligations in the allotted time, the incomplete grade automatically becomes an F.
Academic Integrity Policy
The College expects all students to conduct themselves in a manner that supports an honest assessment of student learning outcomes and the assignment of grades that appropriately reflect student performance. It is ultimately the student’s responsibility to understand and comply with instructions regarding the completion of assignments, exams, and other academic activities. At a minimum, students should assume that at each assessment opportunity they are expected to do their own original academic work and/or clearly acknowledge in an appropriate fashion the intellectual work of others, when such contributions are allowed. Students helping others to circumvent honest assessments of learning outcomes, or who fail to report instances of academic dishonesty, are also subject to the sanctions defined in this policy.
Instances of academic dishonesty may be discovered in a variety of ways. Faculty members who assign written work ordinarily check citations for accuracy, run data base and online checks, and/or may simply recognize familiar passages that are not cited. They may observe students in the act of cheating or may become aware of instances of cheating from the statements of others. All persons who observe or otherwise know about instances of cheating are expected to report such instances to the proper instructor or Dean.
In order to promote academic integrity, the College subscribes to an electronic service to review papers for the appropriate citations and originality. Key elements of submitted papers are stored electronically in a limited access database and thus become a permanent part of the material to which future submissions are compared. Submission of an application and continued enrollment signifies your permission for this use of your written work.
NSCS Board of Trustees Policy 4220 states that each College “. . . will establish a distance learning assessment policy that will include, at a minimum, a substantial culminating experience that is proctored.” Peru State College’s policy is that each course that is offered entirely online will feature a proctored final exam that substantially measures the extent the course’s stated learning objectives are achieved. Online course syllabi will clearly state that, regardless of grades earned previously, the proctored final exam must be passed in order to receive credit for the course. Courses which feature graded site-based activities (e.g., teaching demonstrations) and/or video-taped presentations that occur near the end of the term, and that are designed to substantially assess the achievement of learning objectives, can be considered in compliance with this policy. Project-based capstone and graduate courses utilizing real-time discussions held by web- cam, phone or in person with the faculty member as part of the assessment process can also be considered in compliance with this policy.
Should an occurrence of academic misconduct occur, the faculty member may assign a failing grade for the assignment or a failing grade for the course. Each incident of academic misconduct should be reported to the Dean and the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA). The VPAA may suspend students for two semesters found to be responsible for multiple instances of academic dishonesty. The reason for the suspension will be noted on the student’s transcript.
A faculty member need present only basic evidence of academic dishonesty. There is no requirement for proof of intent. Students are responsible for understanding these tenets of academic honesty and integrity. Students may appeal penalties for academic dishonesty using the process established for grades appeals.
Title IX Compliance Notice
Peru State College is an equal opportunity institution. PSC does not discriminate against any student, employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or age in employment and education opportunities, including but not limited to admission decisions. The College has designated an individual to coordinate the College’s nondiscrimination efforts to comply with regulations implementing Title VI, VII, IX, and Section 504. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies and practices may be directed to Eulanda Cade, Director of Human Resources, Title VI, VII, IX Compliance Coordinator, Peru State College, PO Box 10, Peru, NE 68421-0010, (402) 872-2230.
Students requesting reasonable accommodation and tutoring services should contact the Center for Achievement and Transition Services (CATS).
Tentative Course Schedule:
We will study the following areas, in the following order, and for the approximate and subject-to-change time periods indicated in the assignments:
History, Alphabets, Chapbooks, Primers and Readers: Three Weeks
Fairy Tales and Novel: Three Weeks
Animal Fable, Myths, Legends, Novel: Two Weeks
Fantasy and SF and Novel: Two Weeks
Picture Books, Comics, Graphic Novel: Three Weeks
Graphic Novel, Play, Poetry: Two Weeks
And Finally: You grades will be posted on Blackboard, where you will also turn in all your class work using Word.
I look forward to an excellent term.
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Children's Literature Syllabus in PDF
Children's Literature Syllabus in Word
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