SYLLABUS

DIPPING YOUR TOES IN
An Introduction to Literature for Children, Then and Now

ENGLISH 342 CHILDREN'S LITERATURE ~ Summer 2004
Sandra Harrison Feldman
Phone: 6642437
Office hours: M-Th 12-1 and 4-5, by appointment
Office: SSU/ Stevenson 3002
Email: sandra.feldman@sonoma.edu

TEXTS: Riverside Anthology of Children's Literature 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 a final informal creative presentation), 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 touch on the issues of children living in societies and issues 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 and media resources 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. We will be meeting a number of times in the classroom and also on line. Please ATTEND to your assignments and be prepared when we meet for class.

ESSAYS: You will complete two critical analysis essays (each approximately 1500-2000 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 learning journal.

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. 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. Write specific excerpts or quotes in your journal and keep track of important page numbers for class discussions, for papers, and for tests.

READING ASSIGNMENTS: You are responsible for all reading assignments on the syllabus. You should be prepared to discuss the readings when we meet for discussion. 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 tests on readings and lectures; we may not discuss every piece you read, so try to get the message/significance for yourself. Be sure to keep a list of significant excerpts in your learning journal noting page numbers for future reference in papers, discussions, and on tests.

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.

CREATIVE PROJECTS: Each student will complete two creative projects in addition to the papers, tests, midterm, and final. 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, or you will create a piece of MONART; I will give you some examples. You will present your art to the class along with a brief one-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.

ELECTRONIC CLASSROOM: 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 on occasion, we may participate in chat groups. You will also be required to do some internet research using the World Wide Web. 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 equipment is available at SSU.

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. Let me know how I can help you connect your study in Education with this course.

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.

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 (3-5-minute) presentation, tying together the ideas you've gathered during the semester. Keep ideas you gather in your learning journal.

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 on line; please make an appointment to meet with me early in the semester and as you have questions. My office is in Stevenson, room 3002; I will be available before our class meetings. 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. I will be available most days via email M-Th. You may send a piece of work you are working on via email and I can give you feedback on line

GRADES-EVALUATION: Essays 20%; Tests, Midterm 50%, and Final Exam Creative Project 10%; Assignments 20%; SEE IMPORTANT NOTE BELOW:

IMPORTANT NOTE: If your performance 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.

ENJOY THE CLASS! If there is anything I can do to make this a more meaningful or more enjoyable semester, please let me know. Let me know early in the semester what is working for you or changes that I could make to help you get the most out of this class. This course, to me, 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 venture into the pond!

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