Spring 2019 Course Syllabi

Dakota College at Bottineau Course Syllabus Course Prefix/Number/Title: ENGL 238 - Children's Literature (online) Number of credits: 3 Course Description: The study of texts suitable for reading by elementary-aged school children with emphasis on the analysis of literary characteristics which determine age appropriateness. The course will include an introductory survey of picture books, poetry, folklore, fantasy, realistic fiction, biography, and informational books for children from infancy to Grade 6. Pre-/Co-requisites: None Course Objectives: Find pleasure and enjoyment in children's literature through reading many children's books. Show familiarity with the various types of children's literature and learn how each might be integrated into the K-8 school curriculum. Have read and appreciated some prose and poetry of all kinds and for all levels from preschool through eighth grade. Know evaluation criteria for children's picture books, fiction, and nonfiction. Know the elements of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and illustration as they apply to evaluation and analysis of literature. Understand developmental stages and types of books appropriate to use within each stage. Be aware of First Amendment rights of children and how these rights pertain to offering children choice in their reading materials. Be familiar with the difference between selection and censorship. (Gen Ed Goal #8) Be familiar with the historical development of the various genres of children's literature. Be able to design, role play, and teach lessons which encompass a variety of literature-related activities and purposes, including nature and environmental concerns. (Gen Ed Goal #5) Demonstrate an ability to read orally both prose and poetry in an entertaining fashion and to develop storytelling techniques. (Gen Ed Goal #9) Be able to appreciate the aesthetic quality of illustrations in children's picture books; also perceive the illustrations' contributions to the story.