Course Syllabus

Course Information

ED/LIT 3315.502
Monday/Wednesday, 7-8:15
Children’s Literature
2010 Spring

Professor Contact Information

Dr. Patricia Leek Office hours – (CBW 1.203)
(TDC) 972-883-2730 and ask to leave M/W/T/R 4 PM to 5 PM, and by
message or call cell phone appointment
patricia.leek@utdallas.edu (UTD Email
only!)

Course Pre-requisites, Co-requisites and/or Other Restrictions

Students are expected to show above average skills in the following areas:
Critical reading, writing, and thinking skills
Basic to mid-level computer skills (Internet, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, etc.)
Time-management skills
Effective study skills
Effective communication skills
Ability to reason and make sound judgments

Course Description

This course is a broad introduction to children’s literature, focusing on the genres and concepts of
publications for children from picture books to informational books. Learning experiences are
designed to encourage the greatest possible dialogue (both written and oral) and exchange of
views and ideas related to children’s literature. Students will develop critical abilities in
examining publications for children and will be required to do wide reading in the genres. The
primary emphasis will be on the materials themselves, but you will also be expected to become
familiar with the extensive variety of resources available for children’s literature.

Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes

The students will describe and discuss the historical, social, and psychological contexts as well as
the characteristics of various genres of children’s literature in reflections, portfolio selections,
classroom discourse, and presentations, both written and oral.

The students will appreciate the role of children’s literature in the aesthetic, efferent, and
analytical growth of children as shown in reflections, presentation of genre choices, and
discussions, a summative portfolio, as well as earning passing scores on embedded tests.

Course Syllabus Ed 3315/ LIT 3315, both sections Page 1

The students will analyze, study, and respond to children’s literature genres and illustrative
techniques by successfully creating a graphic representation and a summative portfolio. Students
will also show their knowledge and skills by developing individual projects, responding to a
cross-genre novel study, and achieving passing scores on embedded tests.

Required Textbooks and Materials

Armstrong, Alan and Schindler, S.D. (Illus.). (2005). Whittington. New York: Bantam Doubleday
Dell Books for Young Readers. (ISBN 0375828656)

Bang, Molly. (2000) Picture this: How pictures work. Seastar Publishers. (ISBN 1-5871-7030-2)

Dumas, Firoozeh. (2003). Funny in Farsi. New York: Random House. (Will be provided in
class…Free PDF file on WebCT) – You also may download the book to your CL flash
drive before or after class.

McCauley, David. (1990). Black and White. New York: Houghton Mifflin. Either the paperback
or the hardback version is fine. (paperback – ISBN-10: 0618636870 ISBN-13: 978-0618636877
hardback - ISBN-10: 0395521513 ISBN-13: 978-0395521519)

Minimum 2 GB flash drive ONLY for Children’s Literature downloads and assignments. Put
your name on it and do not lose it!

Microsoft Office Suite (including Microsoft Word & PowerPoint) - available on campus for a low
price because of a campus-wide purchase agreement. Take advantage of this opportunity!
Your work must be in Microsoft Word or PowerPoint for my assignments.

Russell, David L. (2009). Literature for children: A short introduction, 6/e. New York: Pearson
Education.

Articles by Alexander and Yolen will be provided in class.

Multicultural Children’s Literature Explorations packet provided.

Fantasy Children’s Literature Explorations packet provided.

Wide reading across the genres is important. Some readings are listed in the calendar, and some
are available online. You will need to read many children’s books; most will be of your
own choice and are available at libraries or bookstores. You do not need to purchase a
Newbery, Caldecott, or Orbis Pictus winner, but you will need to have one of each
available for assignments and tests. Lists available at the sites below:

List of Newbery winners and honors

http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/newberyhonors/n
ewberymedal.cfm

List of Caldecott winners and honors

http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecotthonors/
caldecottmedal.cfm

Course Syllabus Page 2

Orbis Pictus winner and honors and recommended
http://www.ncte.org/awards/orbispictus

Multicultural children’s literature project will also require reading books available at libraries or
for purchase online or at bookstores

Wide reading across the genres is important. Some readings are listed in the calendar, and some
are available online. You will need to read many children’s books; most will be of your
own choice and are available at libraries or bookstores.

Assignments & Academic Calendar… Always read assigned readings and chapters
before class. If class is canceled due to weather or any other unexpected reason, the
schedule will be adjusted and an updated calendar will be provided.

Week/date Topics Assignments

January 11 Syllabus, Read and understand course

January 13 What is CL?
Can children be literary
critics?
Can adults be literary critics of
children’s literature?
requirements and policies
Start looking for books and other
readings – Start you bibliography (60
book minimum) for your portfolio
immediately –
plan to read and work on this course
everyday!

Russell Ch. 3 Read Chapter 3

CL Week 2, January 18 Martin Luther King Day No class

Alexander Article Read Alexander article – type a

W, January 20 minimum 200 word reflection to turn in
(hard copy) at the beginning of class on
1-20 – 10 points

Russell Ch. 1 Read Chapter 1

CL Week 3, January 25
Cinderella & Red Riding Hood January 25 - Read traditional and/or
January 27 modern versions of Cinderella
(http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/type0510a.ht
Russell Ch. 2 ml) and Red Riding Hood
(www.pitt.edu/~dash/type0333.html)

10 pts - Bring versions and/or images of

Cinderella and Red Riding Hood – type a
minimum 200 word reflection on one or
both of these tales to turn in (hard copy)
at the beginning of class on January 25

Course Syllabus Page 3

 Read Chapter 2.
CL Week 4, February 1 Molly Bang, Picture This: Read book before class. Sign up for a
How Pictures Work tale to represent.

February 3 Russell Ch. 6 Ch. 6 library/bookstore experiences

and chapter content guided study – 10
points
CL Week 5, February 8 Russell Ch. 7 Read Ch. 7

February 10 Tell Me favorite Caldecott Choose a favorite Caldecott winner and

type a minimum 200 word Tell Me
reflection. Bring an artifact that you
associate with the book. – 10 points
CL Week 6, February 15 Molly Bang Image presentations
Create and present your Molly Bang image and handout. Save image to
February 17 CL flash drive as lastnameMB. (For example, leekMB.jpeg or
leekMB.pptx) – 20 points
CL Week 7, February 22 Essay test (1) Details TBA

February 24 Multiple choice test (2)

CL Week 8, March 1 Multicultural Children’s Literature Explorations, Russell Chapter 5

– complete assignments and save to CL flash drive as lastnameMCLE.doc
Mach 3 or .docx. For example, if your name is Joe Jones, save the file as
jonesMCLE.doc or jonesMCLE.docx. – 20 points
CL Week 9, March 8 Russell Chapter 8 Read Ch. 8
Choose a favorite poet or poetry book
and type a minimum 200 word Tell Me
reflection. Bring an artifact that you
associate with the poet/poetry book. – 10
points

March 10 Russell Chapter 9 Read Ch. 9

Read chapter before class.

March 15 SPRING BREAK

March 17

CL Week 10, March 22 Chapter 11 Read Chapter 11 before class.

March 24 Newbery Tell Me Choose a favorite Newbery medal

winner or honor book and type a
minimum 200 word Tell Me reflection.
Bring an artifact that you associate with
the Newbery book. – 10 points

Course Syllabus Page 4

CL Week 11, March 29 Read Russell Chapter 10. Read Whittington. Complete Fantasy
Exploration and save to flash drive as lastnameFCLE.doc (or .docx). – 20
March 31 points. Bring flash drive and submit to class computer on April 5

CL Week 12, April 5 Russell Chapter 12 Read Chapter 12 before class.

Award Winners Appendix

April 7 Orbis Pictus/Robert Seibert Choose a favorite Orbis Pictus medal

Tell Me winner, honor, or recommended book or
a Robert Seibert medal winner or honor
book and type a minimum 200 word Tell
Me reflection. Bring an artifact that you
associate with the Orbis Pictus book. –
10 points
CL Week 13, April 12 Individual Projects – 1/2 of class each of the 2 scheduled days. Sign up for
your day. See project choices in the Assignment handout
April 14 Individual Projects

CL Week 14, April 19 Portfolio Presentations -1/2 of class each of the 2 scheduled days. Sign up
for your day. See portfolio instructions in the Assignment handout

Save portfolio as lastnameportfolio.ppt or .pptx (e.g., jonesportfolio.ppt or

jonesportfolio.pptx)
April 21 Portfolio Presentations -1/2 of class each of the 2 scheduled days. Sign up
for your day. See portfolio instructions in the Assignment handout

Save portfolio as lastnameportfolio.ppt or .pptx (e.g., jonesportfolio.ppt or

jonesportfolio.pptx)
CL Week 15, April 26 Individual Project/Portfolio presentations

April 28 Test review

CL Week 16, May 3 Multiple choice test (3)

Take Home Essay test (4) Details TBA

Tests: (200 points)

1. Essay – 50 points
2. Multiple Choice - 50 points
3. Essay –50 points
4. Multiple Choice –50 points

Applications: (200 points)

• Molly Bang image - (create image, handout, and orally present it to the class) –
Create a Molly Bang representation of your assigned traditional tale. You must
sign up for a tale in class and identify the scene when you show it to the class.

Course Syllabus Page 5

 You will burn your image to your Children’s Literature flash drive and bring to
class. Title your file as (lastname)MB (e.g., LeekMB.jpeg or SmithMB.pptx).
Combine in some fashion, colors (including background), lines, and distinctive
shapes in order to create your image using Bang's principles. (The key elements
are color, line, shape, and placement.) Part of your grade will be the quality of
your presentation. You should dress appropriately and help your classmates
understand Molly Bang principles with your explanation of your image. You
must provide each classmate with a handout that will help him or her learn from
your creation. Don't be realistic: follow the abstract style of Bang's depiction of
"Little Red Riding Hood" (e.g., She uses on a red triangle to characterize and
represent Red Riding Hood). - 20 points
• Tell Me reflections and artifacts (Caldecott, Poetry, Newbery, Orbis Pictus) - 10
points each (about 200 words each) – total 40 points
• Alexander reflection (minimum 200 words) – 10 points
• Cinderella and/or Red Riding Hood Reflection and illustration – 10 points
• Chapter 6 Guided Study
• Fantasy Explorations (Chapter 10, Whittington, and Yolen article) – 25 points
• Multicultural Children’s Literature Explorations (Chapter 5, Funny in Farsi,
traditional tale research, multicultural book(s) – 25 points
• PowerPoint Portfolio – Pick the best of the work that you have done throughout
the semester and showcase it in a PowerPoint Presentation. See Assignment
handout for further instructions – 30 points
• Individual Project – see assignment handout for choices and further instructions –
30 points

Grading Scale for Children’s Literature

60% 64% 68% 70% 74% 78% 80% 84% 88% 90% 94%+
240-255 256-271 272-279 280-295 296-311 312-319 320-335 336-351 352-359 360-375 376-400
D- D D+ C- C C+ B- B B+ A- A

Course & Instructor Policies

Attendance is essential.
You are expected to attend every class, arriving on time and staying until dismissed, because this
displays commitment to the class and respect for your professor and classmates. Doctor’s notes
and the like are not “excuses” for absences; however, the instructor appreciates being informed
about your reason for absence(s). Attendance will be tracked and absences (for any reason) as
well as tardiness or leaving early will impact your final grade.
• Arriving more than a few minutes late or leaving more than a few minutes before
dismissal is considered missing half of a class. Absences are unacceptable; however,
TWO absences will not result in any point deduction. A THIRD absence will result in
a deduction of 10 points. A FOURTH absence will result in a deduction of 40 points
of the possible 400 points). Although each individual situation will be considered, in
general, missing five classes will result in failing the course.
Policies
• I will not accept emailed assignments for any reason! Assignments that are not turned
in the prescribed format or are late for any reason must be turned in as prescribed and
will lose 25% of the earned value. (*See below for exceptions related to illness or
other serious situations.)

Course Syllabus Page 6

 • Read the assigned material and complete homework assignments BEFORE class.
Take part in discussions, in-class assignments, and group work. Be prepared to ask
questions about material you do not understand.
• You are responsible for determining and making up any work that you miss due to an
absence. You should arrange to have a "class buddy" collect handouts, communicate
information, and inform you about the material covered. Exchange email addresses
and/or phone numbers.
• The instructor will not “pre-grade” assignments. Pre-grading gives some students an
unfair advantage and should not be necessary for upper-level or post-graduate
students. The writing lab in the library can provide assistance. Also, peer review can
be very helpful.
• Quality, neat work is expected. Work will be graded based upon the instructor’s
evaluation of the quality of the work as well as completion of the work. Average
work will result in average grades.
• Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the days listed in the calendar,
unless stated otherwise. Assignments are to be completed and turned in on time; late
assignments will not be accepted. *If an assignment is not turned in on time due to
serious illness or another grave reason, contact the instructor, if possible, before class
to arrange for an extension. Depending on individual circumstances, the assignment
will either be accepted for credit, a 25% deduction will be taken, or all points will be
lost.
• Exams will be taken only on the dates listed in the syllabus; make-up tests will not be
given except for extreme situations. The testing environment will be honored for the
good of all. Once an exam begins, the instructor will not converse with anyone for
any reason.
• Professionalism, attendance, positive participation, and timely fulfillment of the
requirements are expected. A student’s grade could be raised or lowered based on the
instructor’s subjective evaluation of overall performance in the aforementioned areas.

Extra Credit. No extra credit is planned.

Technology.

• No emailed assignments will be accepted!!!!

• You need a minimum 2 GB flash drive dedicated for Children’s Literature. Label it and
don’t lose it! You will turn in some of your assignments by downloading your files from
your flash drive to my computer. You will also download some assignments and shared
resources to it.

• Laptops may not be used during class.

• The course will use UTD elearning and UTD email only. Be sure to have your accounts
in order and your computer working properly. You always have the option to come to
campus and use the computers here.

• Only emails that are signed with your name, class, and section number will be answered.
Put the course and section number in the subject line of your email to ensure that it gets
through and will be opened. Please address the recipient respectfully and use correct
grammar and spelling. Email correspondence should be appropriate and should not
contain requests for handouts, notes, grades, etc. to be sent or faxed to you, and should

Course Syllabus Page 7

 NEVER be a request to treat your coursework and grade differently than what is outlined
in the syllabus. Additionally, you should not request special favors or expect special
consideration be given to you that is not afforded to other students in the class. Emails
containing such content will not be answered.

• Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Word are required. I cannot open Microsoft Works.
Also, If you have a Mac, make sure that you save your work in a Word compatible
format. If I can’t open your document, it will be considered late and will lose points.

• Technology problems are NOT acceptable excuses for late work! Complete your work
enough ahead of time to make sure that your computer, printer, elearning, etc. are in
working order such that you can turn in your work on time. Save your work often and
seek advice and resources from the campus technology help desks in JO and the library,
if necessary. (972-883-2991)

• Please turn your cell phone off during class. Other than in emergency situations,
emailing, texting, twittering, IMing, surfing, and all the other “electronic”ing are not
acceptable in class!.

Field Trip Policies/ Off-campus Instruction and Course Activities. - N/A

Student Conduct & Discipline

The University of Texas System and The University of Texas at Dallas have rules and
regulations for the orderly and efficient conduct of their business. It is the responsibility
of each student and each student organization to be knowledgeable about the rules and
regulations which govern student conduct and activities. General information on student
conduct and discipline is contained in the UTD publication, A to Z Guide, which is
provided to all registered students each academic year.

The University of Texas at Dallas administers student discipline within the procedures of
recognized and established due process. Procedures are defined and described in the
Rules and Regulations, Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, Part 1,
Chapter VI, Section 3, and in Title V, Rules on Student Services and Activities of the
university’s Handbook of Operating Procedures. Copies of these rules and regulations
are available to students in the Office of the Dean of Students, where staff members are
available to assist students in interpreting the rules and regulations (SU 1.602, 972/883-
6391).

A student at the university neither loses the rights nor escapes the responsibilities of
citizenship. He or she is expected to obey federal, state, and local laws as well as the
Regents’ Rules, university regulations, and administrative rules. Students are subject to
discipline for violating the standards of conduct whether such conduct takes place on or
off campus, or whether civil or criminal penalties are also imposed for such conduct.

Academic Integrity

The faculty expects from its students a high level of responsibility and academic honesty.
Because the value of an academic degree depends upon the absolute integrity of the work

Course Syllabus Page 8

 done by the student for that degree, it is imperative that a student demonstrate a high
standard of individual honor in his or her scholastic work.

Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, statements, acts or omissions related
to applications for enrollment or the award of a degree, and/or the submission as one’s
own work or material that is not one’s own. As a general rule, scholastic dishonesty
involves one of the following acts: cheating, plagiarism, collusion and/or falsifying
academic records. Students suspected of academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary
proceedings.

Plagiarism, especially from the web, from portions of papers for other classes, and from
any other source is unacceptable and will be dealt with under the university’s policy on
plagiarism (see general catalog for details). This course will use the resources of
turnitin.com, which searches the web for possible plagiarism and is over 90% effective.

Email Use

The University of Texas at Dallas recognizes the value and efficiency of communication
between faculty/staff and students through electronic mail. At the same time, email raises
some issues concerning security and the identity of each individual in an email exchange.
The university encourages all official student email correspondence be sent only to a
student’s U.T. Dallas email address and that faculty and staff consider email from
students official only if it originates from a UTD student account. This allows the
university to maintain a high degree of confidence in the identity of all individual
corresponding and the security of the transmitted information. UTD furnishes each
student with a free email account that is to be used in all communication with university
personnel. The Department of Information Resources at U.T. Dallas provides a method
for students to have their U.T. Dallas mail forwarded to other accounts.

Withdrawal from Class

The administration of this institution has set deadlines for withdrawal of any college-level
courses. These dates and times are published in that semester's course catalog.
Administration procedures must be followed. It is the student's responsibility to handle
withdrawal requirements from any class. In other words, I cannot drop or withdraw any
student. You must do the proper paperwork to ensure that you will not receive a final
grade of "F" in a course if you choose not to attend the class once you are enrolled.

Student Grievance Procedures

Procedures for student grievances are found in Title V, Rules on Student Services and
Activities, of the university’s Handbook of Operating Procedures.

In attempting to resolve any student grievance regarding grades, evaluations, or other

fulfillments of academic responsibility, it is the obligation of the student first to make a
serious effort to resolve the matter with the instructor, supervisor, administrator, or
committee with whom the grievance originates (hereafter called “the respondent”).
Individual faculty members retain primary responsibility for assigning grades and
evaluations. If the matter cannot be resolved at that level, the grievance must be
submitted in writing to the respondent with a copy of the respondent’s School Dean. If
the matter is not resolved by the written response provided by the respondent, the student

Course Syllabus Page 9

 may submit a written appeal to the School Dean. If the grievance is not resolved by the
School Dean’s decision, the student may make a written appeal to the Dean of Graduate
or Undergraduate Education, and the deal will appoint and convene an Academic
Appeals Panel. The decision of the Academic Appeals Panel is final. The results of the
academic appeals process will be distributed to all involved parties.

Copies of these rules and regulations are available to students in the Office of the Dean of
Students, where staff members are available to assist students in interpreting the rules and
regulations.

Incomplete Grade Policy

As per university policy, incomplete grades will be granted only for work unavoidably
missed at the semester’s end and only if 70% of the course work has been completed. An
incomplete grade must be resolved within eight (8) weeks from the first day of the
subsequent long semester. If the required work to complete the course and to remove the
incomplete grade is not submitted by the specified deadline, the incomplete grade is
changed automatically to a grade of F.

Disability Services

The goal of Disability Services is to provide students with disabilities educational

opportunities equal to those of their non-disabled peers. Disability Services is located in
room 1.610 in the Student Union. Office hours are Monday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to
6:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30
p.m.

The contact information for the Office of Disability Services is:

The University of Texas at Dallas, SU 22
PO Box 830688
Richardson, Texas 75083-0688
(972) 883-2098 (voice or TTY)

Essentially, the law requires that colleges and universities make those reasonable
adjustments necessary to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability. For example,
it may be necessary to remove classroom prohibitions against tape recorders or animals
(in the case of dog guides) for students who are blind. Occasionally an assignment
requirement may be substituted (for example, a research paper versus an oral presentation
for a student who is hearing impaired). Classes enrolled students with mobility
impairments may have to be rescheduled in accessible facilities. The college or
university may need to provide special services such as registration, note-taking, or
mobility assistance.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify his or her professors of the need for such an
accommodation. Disability Services provides students with letters to present to faculty
members to verify that the student has a disability and needs accommodations.
Individuals requiring special accommodation should contact the professor after class or
during office hours.

Religious Holy Days

Course Syllabus Page 10

 The University of Texas at Dallas will excuse a student from class or other required
activities for the travel to and observance of a religious holy day for a religion whose
places of worship are exempt from property tax under Section 11.20, Tax Code, Texas
Code Annotated.

The student is encouraged to notify the instructor or activity sponsor as soon as possible
regarding the absence, preferably in advance of the assignment. The student, so excused,
will be allowed to take the exam or complete the assignment within a reasonable time
after the absence: a period equal to the length of the absence, up to a maximum of one
week. A student who notifies the instructor and completes any missed exam or
assignment may not be penalized for the absence. A student who fails to complete the
exam or assignment within the prescribed period may receive a failing grade for that
exam or assignment.

If a student or an instructor disagrees about the nature of the absence [i.e., for the purpose
of observing a religious holy day] or if there is similar disagreement about whether the
student has been given a reasonable time to complete any missed assignments or
examinations, either the student or the instructor may request a ruling from the chief
executive officer of the institution, or his or her designee. The chief executive officer or
designee must take into account the legislative intent of TEC 51.911(b), and the student
and instructor will abide by the decision of the chief executive officer or designee.

These descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the Professor.

Course Syllabus Page 11