LIS 519 - Course Page

LIS 519

Introduction to Children's Literature

LIS 519: Winter 2006 Course Outline

Instructor:

A. Altmann
anna.altmann@ualberta.ca
492-3932
3-18 Rutherford S.
Office hours: TBA

Course Description:

An introduction to literature for children from infancy through the elementary school years. Principles of evaluation and selection will be developed, and current issues and trends will be examined.

Objectives:

To develop an appreciation of children's literature.
To develop a critical approach to children's literature, taking into consideration the current trends and issues in the field.
To develop familiarity with the body of literature available to children.
To discover and apply principles for the selection of books for children.
To become familiar with the relevant professional literature and the bibliographic aids in the field.

Content:

The criteria for the evaluation of children's literature and their application in selection. Bibliographic aids for selection.
Reading needs and interests of children.
The literature: picture books; traditional literature; poetry; realistic fiction; historical fiction; fantasy; science fiction.
Current trends, issues, and problems.

Methods:

Lectures, class discussions, audio-visual material. Extensive reading and examination of works of children's literature and related background reading are necessary.

Course relationships

The only pre-requisite is a 4-year undergraduate degree.

Assignments:

A paper on a picture book version of a classic fairy tale, evaluated on engagement with the pictorial narrative and quality of writing	30%
A paper on a reflective reading of a novel, evaluated on engagement with the text and quality of writing	25%
An annotated bibliography of recent picture books for children on a particular theme, evaluated on search, selection, and 2 annotations	25%
Class contribution, evaluated on quality of contribution to class discussion.	20%
Additional details are given in class handouts. The late penalty is 2% per day (counting weekends) up to a maximum of 20%. No late papers will be accepted for the assignment on the novel. Marks are raw scores that are totaled and converted to the letter grading scale at the end of the course.

Academic Integrity

The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect. Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of Student Behaviour (online at http://www.ualberta.ca/secretariat/appeals.htm) and avoid any behaviour which could potentially result in suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an offence. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University.

Inclusive Language & Equity:

The Faculty of Education is committed to providing an environment of equality and respect for all people within the university community, and to educating faculty, staff and students in developing teaching and learning contexts that are welcoming to all. The Faculty recommends that students and staff use inclusive language to create a classroom atmosphere in which students’ experiences and views are treated with equal respect and value in relation to their gender, racial background, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds. Students who require accommodations in this course due to a disability affecting mobility, vision, hearing, learning, or mental or physical health are advised to discuss their needs with Specialized Support and Disability Services.

Required Readings

Novels and picture books as listed on the Reading List, and critical readings as listed on the Supplemental Reading List. Both will be distributed in class and posted on the course web site.

Assignment due dates:

Fairy tale paper due March 2
Reflective reading of a novel due March 9 (Lowry) or March 16 (Almond)
Annotated bibliography of picture books due April 6