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    SIMON FRASER
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    UNIVERSITY ?
    INTERSESSION 1983
    Faculty of Education
    EDUCATION 465: CHILDREN' LITERATURE?
    INSTRUCTOR: Ken Roberts
    An eleven part series with two main intents:
    A) To learn something about literature for children
    B) To learn something about bringing children and literature together
    Session 1,
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    A BRIEF LOOK AT THE HISTORY OF CHILDREN IN WESTERN SOCIETIES
    May 9th
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    AND AN OVERVIEW OF CHILDREN'S LITERATURE OVER THE CENTURIES
    A historical study of childhood and adolsecence and of literature
    for children and young adults. A sampling of the range of
    literature which has flourished prior to modern times.
    Assignment: Compare two folk/fairy tales from different cultures
    which contain a common element (i.e. similar characters, similar
    method for the resolution of a problem, etc. Come prepared to
    discuss these in class.
    NOTE: With the exception of the diary, all assignments are expected
    be completed by the next class session, Unless otherwise stated,
    the assignment need not be handed in, merely prepared for oral
    discussion. It is expected, however, that preparation findings
    will be covered in the diary. Please note, as well, that some
    assignments are more difficult than others. You will probably
    wish to read ahead to make sure your work load is evenly distributed.
    Session 2,
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    FOLK LITERATURE
    May 12h
    The study of a genre of literature - folk and other orally
    derived literature. The session will include hints for making
    oral literature come alive for young people.
    Assignment: Prepare and present an oral story based on a picture
    book. The story should be suitable for grades K-3 and should
    last between 3-6 minutes.
    Session 3,
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    THE PICTURE BOOK: A PAST, A FUTURE, A FORM
    May 16th
    The picture books as . . . Changes in intent and style. The
    coming of age of a form.
    Assignment: None
    Session 4,
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    ARTHUR RANSOME
    May 19th
    An in-depth look at the work of Arthur Ransome, a pivital figure
    in the development of modern children's literature. Guest
    speaker will be Kit Pearson.
    Assi g nment: None
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    Session 5, ?
    EARLY READERS
    May 26th
    Limited vocabulary, limited interest? The development of
    early readers.
    Easily read books without controlled vocabulary. School text
    readers, publishing facts and problems. Canadian readers.
    Assignment: Read three children's novels, each representative
    of a different genre (fantasy, realistic fiction, humor, etc.).
    The books to be read must be approved by the instructor. Write
    annotations (to be marked for style, format, and accuracy of documentation)
    suitable for publication in a review journal.
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    Session 6, ?
    THE NOVEL
    May, 30th
    A)
    The study of a genre of literature - the novel - and sub-genres
    e.g. fantasy, realism, humor, etc., as well as a look at themes
    and issues within the novel genre.
    B)
    A continuation of methods for bringing children and books
    together and for using different approaches in presenting
    literature.
    Assignment: Prepare and present an oral story for young people
    rades4 - 7. The story should be 4-10 minutes in length.
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    Session 7,
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    THE NOVEL
    June 2nd
    A continuation of Session 6.
    Assignment: Read and be prepared to discuss orally at least
    four Canadian children's books (two picture books/easy readers
    and two novels) published within the past four years. Note:
    only two of the books should be winners of major literary
    awards such as the Canadian Council Awards or the C.L.A. awards.
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    Session 8,
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    CANADIAN LITERATURE
    June 6th
    A history of Canadian literature, a practical look at Canada
    and the problems it poses for publishers, and a discussion of the
    the current realities in terms of Canadian children's materials.
    Assignment: None
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    Session 9,
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    NON-FICTION LITERATURE FOR CHILDREN
    June 9th
    An examination of the problems involved in producing
    non-fiction books for children. A look at the criteria
    to be used when examining books written for children.
    Assignment: Produce a publisher's submission for a non-fiction book
    for young readers. The subject of the proposed book must be
    one not adequately covered by existing in-print material
    (i.e. tying shoelaces). Note: A publisher's submission is
    not complete copy but a reasonable explanation of the topic
    and the approach - as well as rationale. Due June •th
    Read at least one "problem" novel and one young adult novel.
    Come prepared to discuss.
    Session 10, ?
    YOUNG ADULT FICTION
    June 13th
    The study of a recently conceived genre. Also discussed will
    be issues such as bibliotherapy (for all ages), censorship,
    and demand versus suitability.
    Session 11,
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    A TREAT: STORYTELLING AND STORY DRAMA FOR ALL AGES
    June 16th
    A workshop/seminar on storytelling and story drama.
    FINAL ASSIGNMENT: DUE JUNE
    16th
    AT THE CLASS SESSION
    During the term you should keep a diary of your readings,
    thoughts about your "prepared to discuss" items and what
    you felt, thought after a session - and how your previous
    thoughts might have changed. So long as the diary is readable,
    it need not be typed. In fact, I would prefer at the moment
    impressions. The diary need not be a strenuous assignment if
    maintained throughout the course. If it is not maintained
    throughout, it's utility will be negligible. While style and
    presentation are not as important in the diary, all books should be
    properly documented. Content and evidence of work are important.

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