University of Kentucky
School of Library and Information Science
LIS 514
e-mail: bchappel@scott.k12.ky.us or bvc3442@aol.com
Office Hours and Office Location: TBA at first class meeting
Course Number: LIS 514 Credit Hours: 3
Title: Literature and Related Media for Young Adults
Catalog Description: A study of literature and related materials for use with young people in grades 7-12. Emphasis is placed on the special characteristics and needs of young people and the evaluation of materials for this age group.
Text: No text will be required for this course. However, the class will read the novels listed below in common. It is suggested that students purchase these novels which are available in paperback:
The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier; Music From a Place Called Half Moon by Jerrie Oughton; The River Between Us by Richard Peck; Z for Zachariah by Robert C. O’Brien OR Turnabout by Margaret P. Haddix; America by E. R. Frank OR The First Part Last by Angela Johnson.
Course Objectives:
The objectives of this course will be framed by investigating the following underlying question:
media specialist or other professional who aspires to encourage life-long reading habits?
In considering this question, we will also explore:
--Who (or what!) is the young adult reader?
--What are the characteristics of quality young adult literature?
--What are the genres of young adult literature?
--How has this body of literature evolved?
--How do I promote young adult literature?
--Where does YA literature fit in the school curriculum’s core content?
--What do I need to know about censorship and intellectual freedom as
they relate to serving young adults?
Instructional Activities:
Instructional activities will include lectures, small group and class discussions, group and individual presentations, guest speakers, and mid-term/final exams.
First Class Meeting:
A projected schedule of class activities and assignments with anticipated due dates will be distributed. This schedule will be subject to change. Be prepared at the first class meeting to discuss the results of the following assignment:
1. Make a list of 5-10 qualities, traits or characteristics that you THINK describe a middle or high school student.
2. Interview 2 teenagers about their leisure time and reading interests:
Do they read? If so, what? If they have a certain genre that
appeals to them, why? What frustrates them in their reading?
What turns them off about reading? Can they articulate why they like or do not like to read?
Grading Procedures and Attendance Policy:
1. The success of this class depends on the involvement and preparedness of all students; therefore, points will be deducted for lack of class participation, late work and excessive absence. More than two unexcused absences will lower your grade.
2. Extra credit assignments are not given in this course nor are grades of “I” (incomplete), except in extraordinary circumstances. Contact the instructor to discuss an “incomplete”.
3. Excessive mistakes in grammar, punctuation and spelling will result in loss of points on assignments. Please proofread!
Academic Honesty Policy:
The instructor will assign a grade of E for the course to any student found guilty of cheating or plagiarism on an examination or a class assignment. Unless formally approved by the instructor, a student may not use academic work completed for another class (e.g., a paper, etc.) to satisfy the academic requirements of this class. (See University Senate Rules (6.3.2). For details regarding cheating and plagiarism, please refer to Section 6.4.0-1 of the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook (http://www.uky.edu/StudentAffairs/Code/) and Section 6.3 of the University Senate Rules (http://www.uky.edu/USC/Section VI.pdf) for details.
The major assignment of this class is to read broadly across genres. Students should become familiar with a wide variety of young adult literature and its authors. Learning to critically evaluate as you read is essential. Class participation through discussion is expected and therefore attendance is necessary. Although not weighted heavily in the final grade, this portion of the class is the foundation for success. (10%)
An annotated file will be maintained for each book read during the course. A suggested format will be provided at the first class meeting but will certainly include the bibliographic information, a brief synopsis, a personal reaction, a category/genre designation and a suggested audience or curriculum connection. The file will consist of a minimum of 18 books for undergraduates and 21 for graduate students. However, of the 5 books read in common, 2 may be included in this assignment. (15%)
A suggested format for this project will be presented in class.
--Each student will choose a book from their annotated file and present a book talk. The book chosen for this assignment must be from a book award list (we will talk about these in class).
--Along with the book talk, the student will present 2 creative ideas that middle or high school students could use to do their own book presentation in class.
--Turn in: (1) 2 favorable reviews of your chosen book; (2) an outline of your book talk. (15%)
Each student will sign up to evaluate 2 appropriate magazines: One should be recreational and one should have a potential curriculum use. A short presentation will be given in class and the outline of this presentation will be turned in to the instructor. (10%)
Individual students will create a comprehensive bibliography that could support a unit to be developed in collaboration with a teacher. (Students not currently involved in a school setting will be given guidance in choosing a unit topic.) The bibliography should be presented in a correct and consistent bibliographic format. (20%)
This bibliography will include the following:
--nonfiction books (at least 15)
--biographies (if appropriate for the topic)
--reference books or sets (at least 5)
--websites (at least 3)
--picture book (at least 1)
--fiction that relates in some way to the topic (at least 3)
There will be several brief, short-term assignments. (10%)
Midterm and Final Exams (20%)
GRADE SCALE:
A = 93-100%
B = 85 – 92%
C = 75 – 84%
D = 70 – 74%
F = Below 70%
Class Calendar:
The instructor reserves the right to adjust the class calendar, if necessary, to accommodate the proper completion of class requirements.