DIPPING YOUR TOES IN

An Introduction to Literature for Children, Then and Now

 

ENGLISH 342 CHILDREN'S LITERATURE     Spring 2002 

Sandra Harrison Feldman       Phone: 6642437        
OFFICE: SSU/ Stevenson 2081  

CLASS Tu/Th 9:20-10:35 Rachel Carson Hall  Room 68

OFFICE HOURS:Tues/Thurs 10:45-12  Stev 2081

OFFICE HOURS  by appointment M,W,Th, F 2-5  Stev 2081 

EMAIL: <sandra.feldman@sonoma.edu>   Website: SSU <www. sonoma.edu>

 

 

TEXTS: Riverside Anthology of Children's Literature Ed. by Judith Saltman
  Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  This is a student-centered, cross cultural literature based course in which students study and practice reading, discussion, critical thinking, literary analysis, oral communication (we will practice oral communication skills in class discussions, in small groups, and in two informal creative presentations -the last of which is the final exam), and writing skills.  Primarily this is an introduction to the spectrum of genres in children's literature; the goal here is to present an overview of the literature, and to provide a balance among acknowledged classics, traditional literature, and the most distinguished of contemporary writing for children (Saltman p.xxvii).  In our curriculum we focus on the literature read to, read by, and written for children.  We also explore the social connections between story and culture; the psychological aspects of teaching children through stories; the changing views of children's capabilities in understanding stories; and the variety of societies' views of children in general during different time periods. We also touch on the issues of Children and Cyberspace in relation to functions of "information" available to children. There is a great deal of information available to children now on line, and through wireless, digital, and non lineal modes that certainly connect with literature and reading and ultimately with what children learn, read about, chat about, and know.  We will not only examine children's literature of many time periods, but also the societies that produced it. We will share some of our own stories, and compile a resource list of literature that was a vital part of our lives as children and new literature for children. This course is an introduction to the world of literature for children.  The literature available is vast and diverse.  Enjoy dipping your toes in!

ATTENDANCE:  Attendance is required.  If you miss two or more classes, you may not pass the course.  We will be doing regular writing and discussing ideas in class, and also we will have in class tests; in order to get credit for these assignments, you must be present.  If you miss a class, YOU are responsible for getting the missed information. You may not pass the class if your attendance is poor.

ESSAYS:  You will complete two essays (each approximately 1500 words in length). All papers must be word-processed, 12 point, and double-spaced.  All papers must be turned in ON TIME.  Make an appointment with me if you need help. Generate topics for discussion and essay ideas in your journal. Turn in thesis for approval 3 wks prior.

JOURNAL:  A journal is required; writing for five to ten minutes after each reading is an excellent way to improve retention of ideas.  Keep writings in a spiral, on the computer, or in a loose leaf binder.  You may use your journals to help you recall themes during some in class tests and for the midterm exam.  A journal is a useful learning tool; use it to your advantage.  I will give you some ideas on keeping a learning journal.

READING ASSIGNMENTS:  You are responsible for all reading assignments on the syllabus.  You should be prepared to discuss the readings on the day they appear on your syllabus. To prepare for class discussions, read the literature carefully; keep ideas and thoughts on the readings in your journal for yourself, for writing ideas, and for quizzes. We will center class discussions and quizzes on readings; we may not discuss every piece you read, so try to get the message/significance for yourself.

CLASS PARTICIPATION: We will be doing a variety of activities in class.  We will be working closely with others in our quest for knowledge. Your participation is essential.  It is a safe environment to voice your opinion and to practice communication skills; I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity to speak and participate in discussions and class activities. Use each other as guides and learning partners.

CREATIVE PROJECTS:  Each student will complete two creative projects in addition to the papers, tests, and midterm; the final exam is one of the two required creative projects.  For the creative projects, you will create a piece of art which is in some way representative of the themes, characters, or issues in the literature; I will give you some examples.  You will present your art to the class along with a brief one to two-minute explanation.  In previous classes, this has been one of the most enjoyable activities of the class.  Not only does it get your "creative juices" flowing, it helps demonstrate a variety of pedagogy and various methods in teaching. Turn thesis in 3 weeks prior.

ELECTRONIC CLASSROOM/TECHNOLOGY:  We will be meeting in cyberspace for several of our class "meetings." You are required to do the internet assignments which will involve some computer and on line research skills.  I will introduce ways to accomplish the assigned tasks, but I will not provide extensive instruction in the use of technology.  We will be using email, on line discussion, and internet resources (The Shultz Information Center databases are extensive). You will be required to do some internet research using the World Wide Web and SSU’s databases, so familiarize yourself with our library and internet resources both on campus and on line.  Because many of you may be using new technologies in your future careers, consider this an added "bonus" to your curriculum.  You will need a computer, a modem, an internet provider (example: Pacific.net or Sonic.net), and an internet browser (Explorer or Netscape). All of this is available at SSU. Be sure to get an email address if you do not already have one.  The staff in the SSU’s Information Technology Department and the Media Center located in the Shultz Information Center is helpful; use your resources and get informed early in the semester.  Keep copies of all electronic assignments.

METHODS and PEDAGOGY:  Throughout the semester I will be demonstrating methods which are useful in presenting class curriculum to students (collaborative              learning, student directed questioning, student centered discussion, writing across disciplines, and project based learning, for example).  For those students who are working towards a teaching credential, it is especially useful to learn to observe and connect methods and pedagogy.  I have a wealth of resource materials for teachers.  Please ask if you would like to know more about the ways what we are doing in this course connects with educational theory and methodology. This course helps you connect your study in Education with the practice of engaging children in literature. 

TESTS:  You will complete several major in class tests.  The tests will cover the literature on the syllabus.  You will be asked to write in essay form.  Generally the test questions will invite you to tie together main ideas, time periods, and/or genres. Imparting the value of the work will be your main task. You are expected to use the correct conventions of writing in this upper division course. We will have 4 major tests.

MIDTERM AND FINAL EXAMS:  Your midterm exam will be an in class essay  (you may use your journal for the midterm), and your final exam will be a creative (3-minute) presentation, tying together the ideas you've gathered during the semester. Keep ideas you gather in your learning journal.  Turn in your final exam plan/thesis early!

STUDENT -TEACHER CONFERENCES:   I encourage you to meet with me during the semester to discuss your progress, your needs, and any questions you have as we move through the semester. I will be available daily, Monday through Thursday by appointment; please make an appointment to see me early in the semester and as you have questions. My office is in Stevenson, room 2081. If you can't meet on campus, we can email <sandra.feldman@sonoma.edu> or chat on the phone 6642437.

OFFICE HOURS:  I will hold regular weekly office hours at SSU.  You may call me during those times or email me with questions.  You may send a piece of work you are working on via email and I can give you feedback on line; give me a few days for this.

GRADES-EVALUATION: Essays 20%; Tests, Midterm 50%; Internet Assignments 5%; Creative Projects: First creative project 5% and Final Exam Creative Project 20%  IMPORTANT NOTE:  If your attendance is poor, you may not pass this class. If you fail any part of the midterm or final exams, you may not pass this class. Please keep track of your grades and keep a portfolio of all of your work. You should know where you stand at every point in the semester. Meet with me often. Keep a record of grades.

ENJOY THE CLASS!  If there is anything I can do to make this a more meaningful or more enjoyable semester, please let me know.  This course is one of the most enjoyable classes you will take at SSU.  Revisit your childhood!  Gather up what you missed.  Find yourself, along with a host of delightful characters as you enter the pond!