ENGLISH 112A.03 �CHILDREN�S LITERATURE

SPRING 2005

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT: SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY

PLACE/DAY/TIME: SH 241�T/R: 1:30-2:45

INSTRUCTOR: Professor Mary Warner

OFFICE/PHONE: FO 116 (924-4509)

E-MAIL: mwarner@email.sjsu.edu

OFFICE HOURS: TR 10:00-12:00 and by appointment

WEB PAGE: http://www.sjsu.edu/faculty/mary.warner

REQUIRED TEXTS:

PREREQUISITES:
As this is an upper division course, it is expected you have already taken general education requirements, such as English 1A/1B, and that you have already developed upper division study skills as well as high standards for your written work. In English department courses, your instructors comment not only on the content of your written work, but also on the quality of work being displayed. All student writing should contain clear focus, correct grammar and punctuation, appropriate diction and syntax, and well-organized paragraphs. (See the English Department Paper Evaluation Guide later in the syllabus)

� COURSE DESCRIPTION/OBJECTIVES:
English 112A is an upper division course designed to introduce the literature of Childhood experience to adult readers. Although children, frequently those 12 and under, are the central characters and the targeted readers, writers of this genre still structure their works using the same complex literary devices and themes found in adult literature. We will therefore apply standard literary techniques in analyzing the readings for this class.

� The readings have been chosen keeping in mind several factors including quality of writing, relevance or appropriateness of ideas, complexity of treatment, as well as cultural and ethnic diversity. But the fundamental character of these readings is their literary merit: they are children�s literature, not just children�s books. Many of the works are considered classics not only because children enjoy them, but also because they are rich in the themes and situations that make children�s literature distinct and important: polarities between security at home and adventure abroad; between the need for belonging, love, and approval and the desire for independence; between the temptation to keep things unchanged and the challenge of changing and growing up; between the sobering constraints of reality and the liberating power of fantasy. These books then invite serious contemplation of important issues through sustained imaginative ventures that display variety, originality, beauty and craft. While the assigned novels are all chapter books, students will have opportunities to become familiar with picture books, fairy tales and folk tales as well.

� Class sessions will involve some lecture, but will primarily be interactive with discussion, in-class writing, Book Talks, and other presentations. You may find it particularly helpful, especially if you are taking the course to fulfill the requirement for elementary, middle and/or secondary education, to have a 3 Ring Binder, in which you can assemble resources, handouts and materials related to Children�s literature. This course is not a methodology course, but I have attempted to tailor assignments with options to address the different majors represented in the class. An overall goal is to become immersed in the vast selection of Children�s literature, the more reading you can do and share with your classmates, the richer your experience will be.

� COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
1.Thorough and conscientious reading of the text, all assigned novels, and a novel of your choice for Book Talks, as well as readings for the other projects.�

2. A 3-page literary analysis paper for each of the required novels; each paper earns 10% of the course grade for a total of 50%; the following are the Due Dates for the papers. Anyone doing a Book Talk presentation the same week as one of these assigned papers is eligible for a week�s extension. Note: I do NOT accept late papers. IF for some reason you need an exception, you must contact me IN ADVANCE of the due date, but the paper may still be accessed as late and the grade lowered.

�3. Book Talk Presentation�You will read an award-winning Children�s book giving us an introduction to about 40 books. You will need to submit your choice to me via email before Feb. 10 class period so I can make sure there are no duplicate selections. Beginning Feb. 17, we will have 5 Book Talks at each class meeting until everyone in the class has presented. There will be a sign-up for the presentation dates during the Feb. 3 class session. Book Talk presentations will include � 4. Picture Book presentation�You will read 10 picture books and in groups of three present the books in class. Each person reads 10 books and in a group planning session/literature circle shares the readings. The group then decides on a visual presentation for the class and prepares an annotated bibliography of the 30 books. The 10 books could be from the Types of Picture Books listed in Ch. 4 of Essentials of Children�s Literature, or be on a related topic or theme, or by a single author or illustrator, or from a single genre�for example, poetry (Ch. 3 of Essentials of Children�s Literature has poetry suggestions). The Picture Book component earns 15% of the course grade.

� 5. Fairy Tale, Folk Tale, Modern Fantasy project�Students will read a book/collection from this genre and prepare a handout for their peers on resources for teaching the work (if appropriate to student�s major) or present a contemporary version of the traditional tale. If the book read is a contemporary fantasy, then the presenter will provide a critique of the book in like of others in the field. This component earns 10% of the overall grade.

� 6. Quizzes, In-Class Writings, Final Exam, and overall participation earn 15% of the course grade; The Final Exam will be a comprehensive essay exam covering all readings, presentations, lectures, etc. It will be open-notes, open notebook and is meant to be an integrative response to the work of the semester.

Grades: The above requirements equal 100%; I assign numerical values to each assignment according to the following range

A = 91-99 B = 82-90 C = 73-81 D = 64-72 F = 63 and below

The Department of English reaffirms its commitment to the differential grading scale as defined in the official SJSU Catalog (�The Grading System�). Grades issued must represent a full range of student performance: A=excellent; B=above average; C=average; D=below average; F=failure

�Attendance/Participation: In class, we cover an incredible amount of material, which simply can�t be made up. I also believe in student-directed learning that suggests you want to be present at every class to get all you can from the course. Any absence will affect your overall grade in the course since writing activities, discussion and other participative activities cannot be made up.

� ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY: The University emphasizes responsible citizenship and an understanding of ethical choices inherent in human development. Academic honesty and fairness foster ethical standards for all those who depend upon the integrity of the university, its courses, and its degrees. This policy sets standards for such integrity. The public is defrauded if faculty and/or students knowingly or unwittingly allow dishonest acts to be rewarded academically and the university�s degrees are compromised.

�PLAGIARISM: At SJSU plagiarism is the act of representing the work of another as one�s own without giving appropriate credit, regardless of how that work was obtained, and/or submitting it to full academic requirements. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to

(Adapted from the SJSU Academic Senate Policy, S04-12)
According to the SJSU policy, the minimum penalty for plagiarism is failure of the assignment/paper/exam. It is your responsibility to become informed about the Academic Integrity Policy. I am more than happy to help you learn, but if you do not do your own work, that goal cannot be accomplished. You can read the full policy in the Spring 2005 SJSU catalog, pp. 38-39. Please see me if you have any questions about documentation.

� DISABILITY RESOURCES: If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment to see me as soon as possible.

COURSE CALENDAR
(This calendar is subject to change to better meet your needs and to adapt to
speakers or other changes; Quizzes on Book Talks and course material will
be added throughout the semester)

Th., Jan. 27: Introduction to the Course, Instructor, the syllabus, yourselves; Picture Book activity; Begin Ch. 1 from E of CL

ASSIGNMENT: Ch. 2 �Learning about Books� from E of CL

T., Feb. 1: Continue discussion of Ch. 1 and Readers� Theater reading of opening of A Girl Named Disaster

ASSIGNMENT: Continue reading A Girl Named Disaster
�Th., Feb. 3: Ch. 2 of E of CL; Helps for writing a literary analysis paper; Sign- Up for Book Talks and other presentations
ASSIGNMENT: Finish reading A Girl Named Disaster; Email Dr. Warner with your choice of an award-winning children�s
book for your book talk presentation;

T., Feb. 8: In-class writing activity on A Girl Named Disaster; Work with Ch. 10: �Multicultural and International Literature�

from E of CL
ASSIGNMENT: Paper on A Girl Named Disaster
� Th., Feb. 10: Model of a Book Talk presentation; Continue with Ch. 10: �Multicultural and International Literature� from E
of CL
ASSIGNMENT: Reading of Forgotten Fire

T., Feb. 15: Work with Ch. 8: �Historical Fiction� from E of CL;

ASSIGNMENT: Finish reading of Forgotten Fire; those doing Book Talks prepare;
�Th., Feb. 17: 4 Book Talk presentations; In-class writing activity on Forgotten Fire; (OR Library Session on Resources for
Children�s Literature�tentative)
ASSIGNMENT: Paper on Forgotten Fire

T., Feb. 22: 4 Book Talk presentations; Begin Ch. 9: �Non-fiction: Biography and Informational Books�

ASSIGNMENT: Paper on Forgotten Fire
� Th., Feb. 24: Library Session on Resources for Children�s Literature: meet in King Library 213; IF time, 2 Book Talks
ASSIGNMENT: Paper on Forgotten Fire if not in; Begin reading Wringer

T., Mar.1: Review Ch. 12 from E of CL ��Experiencing Literature�; 4 Book Talks;

ASSIGNMENT: Finish reading Wringe r
� Th., Mar. 3: Ch. 7: Realistic Fiction; 4 Book Talks;
ASSIGNMENT: Paper on Wringer

T., Mar. 8: In-class writing on Wringer; 4 Book Talks; sign up for Group Presentations on Picture Books

ASSIGNMENT: Locate and begin reading Picture Books; Paper on Wringer
� Th., Mar. 10: Professor John Clapp: Presentation on Illustrating Picture Books
ASSIGNMENT: Paper on Wringer; Reading of Picture Books

T., Mar. 15: 4 Book Talks; Ch. 4: �Picture Books�;

ASSIGNMENT: Begin reading Bridge to Terabithia
� Th., Mar. 17: 4 Book Talks; Work with Ch. 5
ASSIGNMENT: Finish reading Bridge to Terabithia; Continue reading Picture Books; Paper on Bridge to Terabithia

T., Mar. 22: In-class writing on Bridge to Terabithia; 4 Book Talks

ASSIGNMENT: Paper on Bridge to Terabithia
� Th., Mar. 24: Class planning session for Picture Book presentations/Literature Circle Model
ASSIGNMENT: Prepare Annotated Bibliography of your Picture Books; Begin reading The Wanderer

T., April 5: In-class writing on The Wanderer; Explanation of the Folktale/Fairy Tale/Fantasy project;

ASSIGNMENT: Paper on The Wanderer; Prepare for Group Presentations of Picture Books
�Th., April 7: Picture Book presentations
ASSIGNMENT: Paper on The Wanderer

T., April 12: Picture Book presentations

ASSIGNMENT: Paper on The Wanderer
� Th., April 14: Finish any Picture Book presentations not done; Ch. 6: �Modern Fantasy�
ASSIGNMENT: Begin reading of the work for the Folk Tale/Fairy Tale/Fantasy Project

T., April 19: Ch. 3 �Poetry�

ASSIGNMENT: Reading for the Folk Tale/Fairy Tale/Fantasy Project
� Th., April 21: Ch. 3: �Plays�
ASSIGNMENT: Work on the Folk Tale/Fairy Tale/Fantasy Project

T., April 26: Class reading of a Children�s Play

ASSIGNMENT: Prepare final presentation
� Th., April 28: Video of a Children�s Fantasy
ASSIGNMENT: Prepare final presentation

T., May 3: Video of a Children�s Fantasy

ASSIGNMENT: Prepare final presentation
� Th., May 5: Catch-up day
ASSIGNMENT: Prepare final presentation

T., May 10: Presentations of Folk Tale/Fairy Tale/Fantasy Projects Course evaluations

ASSIGNMENT: Preparation for the Final
� Th., May 12: Presentations of Folk Tale/Fairy Tale/Fantasy Projects
ASSIGNMENT: Preparation for the Final

T., May 17: Finish any remaining presentations; Review for the Final

ASSIGNMENT: Preparation for the Final

Monday, May 23: Final Exam 12:15-2:30