Children's Literature syllabus

1. WELCOME TO CHILDREN’S LITERATURE
Page | 1
[Your picture
here]
What is Children’s Literature all about?
This course introduces students to the major genres of literature for young people such as folklore, illustrated
works, and short novels. Students will read a variety of works from different eras and study ways children’s
literature and the understanding of childhood have developed.
English 1 is a prerequisite of this course, so it is assumed that you begin the semester with college-level
reading and writing skills. After completing the course with a C or better, you will have significant experience
in these areas:
1. Analyzing the major cultural, historical, and literary conditions that have shaped literature for young
people.
2. Identifying the major characteristics and concerns of the major genres of literature for young people
3. Analyzing the major issues and controversies in children’s literature
4. Understanding children as readers from a variety of perspectives
5. Reading, analyzing, and evaluating children’s literature orally and in writing
Who is my teacher?
Hi! My name is Tara Ptasnik, and I am looking forward to reading and
writing with you this semester. As your instructor, I intend to treat you,
this class, and myself with the respect necessary for us all to learn
together. I will try to respect your time by communicating with you
clearly and promptly about the course and answering your questions
promptly in person, via email, or over the phone. I will also respect your
learning style by being available for meetings outside of class at a variety
of flexible times.
Tara Ptasnik
Office:
Truax C3446
Phone:
608-246-6507
Email: tptasnik@madisoncollege.edu
Office Hours: Wednesday 9-10 and many other times
-- just ask.
What are my responsibilities as a student?
As a student in this class,
you have the
opportunity to learn
a great deal about
reading, researching,
and writing. To get the
most out of this class, I
urge you to
Respect yourself
by taking
responsibility for
your own learning
and setting high
standards for your
work.
Respect the
educational
environment by
being prepared and
participating
enthusiastically
during class.
Respect your
classmates and me
by treating others
politely and acting
responsibly and
reliably in group
work
Section 32271 Monday and Wednesday 2:30-3:45 Truax D3541

2. WELCOME TO CHILDREN’S LITERATURE
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What will we read, discuss, and write about?
Unit One: Fairy Tales
The oldest form of literature, for children or adults, was originally spoken, not
written. These tales taught societal values and helped listeners express deep
fears and desires through generations. You will be surprised, shocked, and
maybe even scared at what really happens to Little Red Riding Hood.
Unit Two: Classic and Historical Children’s Literature
Some children's books are considered classics-- timeless and universal. We will
read Charlotte's Web to help us define what a "classic" is. In other words, what
is “good”? We will also spend some time looking at trends in children's
literature in the past, using texts such as The New England Primer, and examine
how children's literature has changed.
Unit Three: Picture Books
When we think of children’s literature, we do often think of picture books.
Many of our beloved books from childhood are picture books. However, this
close association with childhood also gives picture books a reputation as being
simple. We will use Where the Wild Things Are to disprove this stereotype.
Unit Four: Young Adult Literature
The idea that teenagers do-- or should-- have literature written just for them is
a fairly new idea. However, it is currently exploding with new authors and
innovative literature. We will read Speak for some insight.
Unit Five: Issues and Controversies in Children’s Literature
Because new texts are tackling increasingly more controversial issues, many of
them are opening new areas of debate in the field of children’s literature.
Sometimes, the discussions are inspired by developing new lenses for
critiquing all texts in new ways. In this unit, we will join some of these hot-
button conversations and listen in on the feuds and disputes currently roiling.
How will my grade be determined?
In order to receive a passing grade for the course, all major assignments must be completed.
Assignments Assignments Assignments
Unit 1 Project 10% Exam 1 10% Semester Project 15%
Unit 2 Project 10% Exam 2 10% Reading Logs 20%
Unit 3 Project 10% Participation 5%
Unit 4 Project 10%
What is the grading scale?
Grade Points Grade Points Grade Points
A 92-100 B 82-87 C 70-77
AB 88-91 BC 78-81 D 62-69
F 62 and below

3. WELCOME TO CHILDREN’S LITERATURE
Page | 3
Six things you
can do to be
successful
Attend class regularly, prepared and
ready to learn:
Because studies show that students who
regularly attend classes possess a greater
understanding of course material and
perform better, it is very important for you
to attend each class meeting on time. I give
graded assignments in class, often at the
beginning of the period, and an absence or
tardy arrival may result in a missed
assignment that cannot be made up. Thus,
consistent absences or late arrivals will
negatively affect your participation grade.
Any time you know you will be absent,
contact your instructor ahead of time and
check Blackboard for announcements. It is
always your responsibility to make up work
missed.
Access Blackboard
regularly:
I make a serious effort to
post all necessary and useful
information on Blackboard.
Outside of class time, I post
announcements,
assignments, reading
materials, and helpful advice.
You will find it greatly to
your benefit to check
Blackboard and explore the
resources there at least three
times a week. When you are
confused or lost, there will
likely be an answer on
Blackboard.
Access your student email
regularly:
You are responsible for
monitoring your student e-mail
account. When sending an email
to your instructor, please make
sure that your name, class, and
section are labeled clearly. If you
email a document to your
instructor, save your attachment
in a Word format (*.doc or
*.docx), Portable Document
(*.pdf), or Rich Text Format
(*.rtf). I do my best to check and
answer student email regularly,
and I can do this most helpfully
for you when your messages are
clear and professional.
Complete your work with
integrity:
Academic integrity is an
expectation in all Madison College
classes. Plagiarism and cheating are
prohibited. Plagiarism is defined
as passing of another person’s
work as your own. In this class, I
have a zero-tolerance policy about
plagiarism. Plagiarized work will
earn a zero, and a zero on a major
assignment will affect the semester
grade significantly.
Work with technology effectively:
I strongly suggest you have multiple
means of composing, saving, and
printing your work. Save all work in
several locations, and also consider
printing a backup copy. Computer
difficulties are not a long-term
excuse for non-participation, but do
let me know if technology
difficulties are impeding your work.
See the Helpful Resources section of
the syllabus or Blackboard for
information about free resources
and the Student Help Desk, where
experts can help you with
technology difficulties.
Cell phone use can be helpful or
disruptive. Please keep your cell
phone use to a minimum and
comply cheerfully if the instructor
asks you to discontinue use.
Submit work on time:
All assignments are due at
the beginning of class.
Assignments (except in-class
work) may be turned in up to
one week late and will lose
one letter grade. A grade of a
zero will be assigned for any
assignments that are not
turned in.
No make-up exams will be
given. If you miss an exam,
you may choose to count a
future exam twice.

4. WELCOME TO CHILDREN’S LITERATURE
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Where can I get help when I need it?
Your instructor: I care a great deal about the success of every student,
and I want to help you. Helping you in or out of class is never a
burden or a bother. If you’re thinking of withdrawing, discuss your
progress with me first. We might be able to find a way for you to be
successful in the class. Please contact me as often as you wish with
questions and feedback.
Your classmates: No one in this class has to do this alone—help each
other. Research shows that you can increase your chances of success
in a class simply by exchanging contact information with another
student on day one. It’s that easy! Trade cell numbers and email
addresses with a few people and chat about assignments outside of
class. Be each other’s support system.
According to its Web site, “The Writing Center’s primary mission is to
help members of the Madison College community become more
effective, confident, and successful writers.” I strongly suggest
everyone plan to use the Writing Center’s services regularly. Hours,
location, and instructions for appointments can be found by visiting
its Web site or calling (608) 243-4289.
The Student Computer Help Desk is located in the Truax Campus
Library Room A3000. Student lab assistants are available often until
late in the evening in person, and by phone, (608) 243-4444; toll-free
at (866) 277-4445; by email at https://madisoncollege.edu/student-
computer-help to provide computer support. In addition, students
can call an after-hours help desk until 10pm most days at (608) 246-
6666.
According to their Web site, “Our libraries are staffed
with librarians and talented student help to provide the services and
reference assistance you need for academic success. Madison
College Libraries offers traditional on-site services, but also provides
24/7 access to many resources and services online through our
comprehensive library web page.”
If you feel you may qualify for accommodations due to a disability,
please contact Disability Resources Services at 246-6716 (Students
who are deaf via Relay 711), room 159 at Truax or email
drs@madisoncollege.edu It is best to request accommodations at the
beginning if not before class so there is ample time to make the
accommodations.

5. WELCOME TO CHILDREN’S LITERATURE
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Unit Date Do Before Class
Course
Introduction
September 5
and 10
Post to the BB introduction discussion and the career wiki. Complete
literature memories worksheet and bring to class.
Unit 1: Fairy
Tales
September 12
and 17
Read Perrault's "Little Red Riding Hood," Grimm's "Little Red Cap,”
and “The Story of Grandmother.” Read scholarly background
selections on Blackboard, respond in a reading log entry, and post to
Blackboard. Begin work on Unit 1 project.
Read Grimm’s “The Frog King,” Perrault’s “The Sleeping Beauty in
the Wood,” Grimm's "Cinderella," Perrault's "Bluebeard," and
Grimm's "Hansel and Gretel." Respond in a reading log entry and
post to Blackboard.
September 19,
24, and 26
Read a selection of international tales, such as“The Tale of the Tiger
Woman,” “The Enchanted Frog,” Basile’s "The Young Slave," "Yeh-
hsien," and Afanasev’s “Vasilisa the Fair.” Other options will be
given in class. Respond in a reading log entry, and post to
Blackboard.
Complete Unit 1 presentation and project.
Read Grimm's "Snow White" and watch the Disney film if you can.
Half of the class will read Gilbert and Gubar's "Snow White and Her
Wicked Stepmother" and half of the class will read Zipes’ “Breaking
the Disney Spell” (you can start on page 425)
Respond in a reading log entry, and post to Blackboard.
Unit 2: Classic
and Historical
Children’s
Literature
October 1, 3,
8, 10, 15, and
17
Read selections from scholarly background, New England Primer, and
Charlotte’s Web and respond in reading logs. Complete Unit 2 project.
Exam 1 October 22 Study for exam.
Unit 3: Picture
Books
October 24,
29, 31, and
November 5,
7, and 12
Read selections from scholarly background and Where the Wild Things
Are and respond in reading logs. Complete Unit 3 project.
Unit 4: Young
Adult Literature
November 14,
19, 21, 26, 28
Read young adult literature articles provided by instructor and
Anderson's Speak and respond in reading logs. Complete Unit 4
project.
Unit Five: Issues
and Controversies
in Children’s
Literature
December 3, 5,
10
Read scholarly background and supplemental texts provided by
instructor. Respond in reading logs. Work on semester project.
Project
presentations
December 12
Complete semester project and prepare to present to class and
submit to instructor
Exam 2
December 19
3:30-5:20
Study for exam. Exam period will be held in Truax C2442.

6. WELCOME TO CHILDREN’S LITERATURE
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Attend class regularly, prepared and ready to learn:
Because studies show that students who regularly attend classes possess a greater understanding of course
material and perform better, it is very important for you to attend each class meeting on time. I give graded
assignments in class, often at the beginning of the period, and an absence or tardy arrival will result in a
missed assignment that cannot be made up. Thus, consistent absences or late arrivals will negatively affect
your process point grade.
Any time you know you will be absent, contact your instructor and request your assignments ahead of time. It
is always your responsibility to make up work missed. Communication is key: talk to your instructor when
you miss class.
Complete work on time:
All assignments are due at the beginning of class. Assignments (except in-class work) may be turned in up to
one week late and will lose one letter grade. A grade of a zero will be assigned for any assignments that are
not turned in. No make-up exams will be given. If you miss an exam, you may choose to count the other
exam twice.
Complete your work with integrity:
Academic integrity is an expectation in all Madison College classes Plagiarism and cheating are prohibited at
Madison College. Plagiarism is defined as passing of another person’s work as your own. In this class, I have
a zero-tolerance policy about plagiarism. Plagiarized work will earn a zero, and a zero on a major assignment
will affect the semester grade significantly.
Work with technology effectively:
I strongly suggest you have multiple means of composing, saving, and printing your work. Save all work in
several locations, and also consider printing a backup copy. Computer difficulties are not a long-term excuse
for non-participation. See the Helpful Resources section of the syllabus or Blackboard for information about
the Student Help Desk, where experts can help you with technology difficulties.
Cell phone use can be helpful or disruptive. I will ask the class to develop a policy about technology use, and
I will then ask each student to abide by that policy.
Access Blackboard regularly:
I make a serious effort to make all necessary and useful information available to you on Blackboard.
Outside of class time, I post announcements, assignments, reading materials, and helpful advice. You
will find it greatly to your benefit to check Blackboard and explore the resources there at least three
times a week. When you are confused or lost, there will likely be an answer on Blackboard.
Access your student email regularly:
You are responsible for monitoring your student e-mail account. When sending an email to your instructor,
please make sure that your name, class, and section are labeled clearly. If you email a document to your
instructor, save your attachment in a Word format (*.doc or *.docx) or Rich Text Format (*.rtf). I do my best
to check and answer student email regularly, and I can do this most helpfully for you when your messages are
clear and professional.