Course Syllabus

Course Information

ED/LIT 3315.002
Tuesday/Thursday 10:30 – 11:45
Children’s Literature

Professor Contact Information

Dr. Patricia Leek Office hours – M/W 4PM-5PM, T/TR
(TDC) 972-883-2730 and ask to leave 11:45AM-12:45PM, 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 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. (ISBN 1-5871-7030-2)

Dumas, Firoozeh. (2003). Funny in Farsi. New York: Random House. (Will be provided in class…Free
PDF file on Elearning) – You should 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, Yang, and Yolen will be provided in class.

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 and stories; most will be of your own
choice and are available online, or at libraries or bookstores. You do not need to purchase a
Newbery, Caldecott, or Orbis Pictus (or Robert Sibert) 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/newberym
edal.cfm

List of Caldecott winners and honors

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

Orbis Pictus winner and honors and recommended or Robert Sibert Medal winners or honors
http://www.ncte.org/awards/orbispictus

Course Syllabus Page 2

Week/date Topics Assignments
Jan. 11 Syllabus, Read and understand course requirements and policies
Start looking for books and other readings – Start your
What is CL? bibliography (50 book minimum) for your portfolio
Can children be literary immediately
critics?
Can adults be literary
critics of children’s
literature?

Jan. 13 Russell Ch. 1 Read Chapter 1

ebooks Homework: Listen to NPR discussion at

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1220265
29

Submit a brief reflection on the podcast to elearning. This is

not graded, but it will be your chance to see if you can properly
navigate elearning. There could questions related to the podcast
on the tests. Also, your essay tests will only be accepted if
submitted successfully to elearning.
Chambers, Aiden. Tell
Me
Jan. 18
Cinderella & Red Riding Homework: Bring versions and/or images of Cinderella and
Hood Red Riding Hood
Jan. 20
Russell Ch. 2 Read Chapter 2

Sign up for Molly Bang teams

Jan. 25 Russell Ch. 3
Read Chapter 3

Literary criticism Literary criticism

Jan. 27 Molly Bang, Picture Read Molly Bang book

This: How Pictures Work

Lloyd Alexander article

Read article before class
Feb.1 Russell Ch. 7
Read Chapter 7
Black and White Read Black and White
Feb. 3 Russell Ch. 6 Ch. 6 library/bookstore exploration and chapter content guided
study

Submit guided study to elearning – 10 point

Feb. 8 Tell Me favorite Choose a favorite Caldecott winner and type a minimum 200
Caldecott word Tell Me reflection. Bring an artifact that you associate
with the book. – 10 points

Course Syllabus Page 3

Feb. 10 Russell Chapter 8 Read Ch. 8
Homework: go to http://www.poetryforchildren.blogspot.com/
to view poets reading their own award winning poetry.

The Great Poetry Read! – 10 points

Feb. 15
Molly Bang Groups Groups will present image(s) and folk literature – 30 points
More poetry
Feb. 17
Molly Bang Groups Groups will present image(s) and folk literature – 30 points
More poetry
Feb. 22 Multicultural Children’s Literature Explorations, Russell Chapter 5
– complete assignments and save to your flash drive as lastnameMCLE.doc or .docx. For
example, if your name is Joe Jones, save the file as jonesMCLE.doc or jonesMCLE.docx.
Feb. 24 You will submit your work to the class computer from your flash drive AND bring a hard
copy to turn in on March 1!!! – 30 points

Mar. 1 MCLE Debrief and share MCLE work.

Test Review – Chapter 5

and Funny in Farsi will
be on MC test 2
Mar. 3 Multiple Choice Test 1 – 50 points (Chapters 1,2,3,6,7, 8, Molly Bang, Alexander article,
Funny in Farsi, Cinderella/Red Riding Hood)

Mar. 8 Chapter 11, Realism Read Chapter 11 before class.

Mar. 10 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
Mar. 15/17 Spring Break

Mar. 22 Graphic novels Homework:

Listen to Introductory Podcast at
http://www.readwritethink.org/parent-afterschool-
resources/podcast-episodes/podcast/introduction-graphic-
novels-30326.html (read handout)

Optional:
Want to know more? A K-5 graphic novel series, Baby
Mouse, is discussed in the podcast below. Listen to
http://www.readwritethink.org/parent-afterschool-resources
/podcast-episodes/podcast/babymouse-extravaganza-
30555.html

Read Yang article.

Extra Credit (possible 1-5 points)
Bring a report, handout, poster, PPT, etc., describing graphic
novels and resources (history, how you read them, quality

Course Syllabus Page 4

 authors and titles, websites that discuss quality graphic novels,
etc.) to share with the class.

Mar. 24 Russell Chapter 9 Read Russell Chapter 9.

Folk Literature

Jane Yolen video

Mar. 29 Russell Chapter 10 Read Read Yolen article – (Pick Five part of Fantasy Exploration)
Whittington. Complete Complete assignments and save to your flash drive as
Fantasy Exploration and lastnameFCLE.doc or .docx. For example, if your name is Joe
save as Jones, save the file as jonesFCLE.doc or jonesFCLE.docx. You
lastnameFCLE.docx. will submit your work to the class computer from your flash
drive AND bring a hard copy to turn in on Mar. 31!!! – 30
points

Mar. 31 Fantasy Children’s Debrief and share FCLE work.

Literature

Apr. 5 Russell Chapter 12 Read Chapter 12 before class.

Award Winners Appendix

Orbis Pictus/Robert Choose a favorite Orbis Pictus or Robert Sibert medal winner
Sibert Tell Me or honor book (or recommended and type a minimum 200
word Tell Me reflection. Bring an artifact that you associate
with the book. – 10 points

Apr. 7 Take Home Essay test 1 - Complete and submit to elearning – 50 points

Apr. 12 Individual Projects – 1/3 of class each of the 3 scheduled days. Sign up for your day. See
project choices in the Assignment handout – 30 points

Apr. 14 Individual Projects – 1/3 of class each of the 3 scheduled days. Sign up for your day. See
project choices in the Assignment handout – 30 points

Apr. 19 Individual Projects – 1/3 of class each of the 3 scheduled days. Sign up for your day. See
project choices in the Assignment handout – 30 points

Apr. 21 Portfolio Presentations -1/3 of class each of the 3 scheduled days. Sign up for your day. See
portfolio instructions in the Assignment handout

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

jonesportfolio.pptx) and submit to class computer – 30 points
Apr. 26 Portfolio Presentations -1/3 of class each of the 3 scheduled days. Sign up for your day. See
portfolio instructions in the Assignment handout

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

jonesportfolio.pptx) and submit to class computer – 30 points
Apr. 28 Portfolio Presentations -1/3 of class each of the 3 scheduled days. Sign up for your day. See
portfolio instructions in the Assignment handout

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

Course Syllabus Page 5

 jonesportfolio.pptx) and submit to class computer – 30 points

May 3/4 Reading Days – no class or assignments

May 5 Multiple choice test 2 – 50 points (Chapters 9, 10, 11, 12, award winners, Jane Yolen, Yang
article, graphic novels, Whittington, literary language)

Take home essay 2 – Details TBA – 50 points

Grading Policies

Tests: (200 points)

1. Multiple Choice 1 - 50 points

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

Applications: (200 points)

Molly Bang Image(s)/Folk Literature Group Presentation – Teams of 4 students will sign
up to create a Molly Bang style visual representation of a folk tale. Each group will present
their tale, display their electronic visual(s), and provide classmates with a handout that
helps them learn Molly bang principles and the form and message of the assigned tale. – 30
points
Chapter 6 Guided Study (Library Scavenger Hunt) – 10 points
Tell Me reflections and artifacts (Caldecott, Newbery, Orbis Pictus) - 10 points each
(about 200 words each) – total 30 points
The Great Poetry Read! – 10 points
Fantasy Explorations (Chapter 10, Whittington, Yolen) – 30 points
Multicultural Children’s Literature Explorations (Chapter 5, Funny in Farsi, traditional tale
research, multicultural book(s) – 30 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%+
240 256 272 280 296 312 320 336 352 360 376
D- D D+ C- C+ C+ B- B B+ A- A

Course Syllabus Page 6

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 5 minutes late or leaving more than 5 minutes before dismissal is
considered missing half of a class.
Absences are unacceptable, but at times life gets in the way. Each individual situation will be
considered. In general, missing three classes will result in a deduction of 10 points from the
total earned, and missing four classes will result in a deduction of 20 points from the total
earned. More than four absences will result in a deduction of 80 points and could result in being
asked to withdraw or failing the course.
Policies
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.
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 and study groups 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 before class to arrange for an extension. Depending on individual
circumstances, the assignment will either be accepted for credit, a minimum 25% deduction
will be taken, or all points will be lost. NO emailed assignments will be accepted!
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 assignments
are expected. Completion of all assignments is essential. 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. Graphic novel artifact - 1 to 5 points

Technology.

NO emailed assignments will be accepted!

Course Syllabus Page 7

 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 have the opportunity to download some shared resources to it.

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 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.

Technology problems are NOT acceptable excuses for late work! Complete your assignments
enough in advance to make sure your computer, Internet provider, 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. (972-883-2991)

Use of laptops during class is limited to note taking. Surfing the web, working on other
assignments, and reading emails is distracting and disrespectful to the instructor and your
classmates. You will be asked to forego the use of your laptop in class if it is used for anything but
note taking.

Please turn your cell phone off during class. Other than in emergency situations, emailing, texting,
twittering, IMing, surfing, and all the other “electronic”ing is out.

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).

Course Syllabus Page 8

 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 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.

Course Syllabus Page 9

 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 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.

Course Syllabus Page 10

Religious Holy Days
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