ED 564: Literature in the Literacy Program (2 credits)

COURSE
DESCRIPTION

This course is designed to enhance the classroom teacher's knowledge about the rationale for using children's literature in the literacy program, to provide a greater awareness of the qualities of children's literature, and to familiarize the teacher with instructional strategies for using children's literature in the literacy program.

PREREQUISITES

There are no required prerequisites for this course. However, learners are assumed to be teachers with access to elementary and/or secondary students.

COURSE
STRUCTURE

Textbook readings; weekly postings and responses to postings on Blackboard Discussion Board; compilation of strategies; professional statement.

STANDARDS

This course supports the following International Reading Association's 2003 Standards for Reading Professionals: <

2.3	Use a wide range of curriculum materials in effective reading instruction for learners at different stages of reading and writing development and from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
4.1	Use students' interests, reading abilities, and backgrounds as foundations for the reading and writing program.
4.2	Use a large supply of books, technology-based information, and non-print materials representing multiple levels, broad interests, and cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
4.4	Motivate learners to be lifelong readers.

PRACTICAL
APPLICATIONS

This course will focus on three questions:

1.	Why should literature be an integral part of the classroom? What is the theoretical and research foundation that supports the use of children's literature to teach reading and writing within an integrated curriculum?
2.	What literature should be chosen for young students? What are our criteria for selecting quality literature in various genres?
3.	How should literature be shared in a classroom setting? What are our strategies for helping students read and respond to literature? What are our strategies for using children's literature to develop and support an integrated curriculum?

CORE/ELECTIVE

This graduate course can be used as 2 elective credits in the Literature thematic area in the 24-credit Reading Endorsement program, the 12-credit Literary Education program, or for individual professional development. Please consult an advisor at your home institution about adding this course to your program.

INSTRUCTOR

Dr. M. Ruth Davenport, Professor, College of Education, Eastern Oregon University. Literacy consultant and teacher for 14 years. Miscue analysis expert and textbook author. (BS, MS, SW Missouri State University; Ph.D., University of Missouri)

TARGET
AUDIENCE

Elementary classroom teachers wishing to learn more about incorporation of literature into the literacy curriculum.

TIME
COMMITMENT

Students should expect to spend 6 hours per week for 10 weeks in course-related activities (e.g., reading the text and course materials, posting to discussion forums, completing written reports/papers and classroom-based assignments). This course is online and does not require in-person attendance. Assignments are completed on the learner's time schedule and are due as posted.

TEXTBOOK

Textbook(s) are required for this course. You will find the textbook listed in the syllabus that is posted online at the EOU website or you may contact the instructor. For most classes, the EOU Bookstore will be a source for the textbook.

COST

No course in the ReadOregon curriculum will cost more than $300 per credit, including all fees.

TECHNICAL
REQUIREMENTS

This online course requires access to the Internet with Word/WordPerfect for written assignments. Recommended minimum computer configuration is:

PC running Windows 95 or newer
Macintosh Quadra 700 or better or Power PC
Modem 28.8 or faster, or other network connection
Sound card and speakers (optional)
32 Megabytes or greater of system RAM
Adequate hard disk drive

CONTACT

For more details on this course, please contact Dr. M. Ruth Davenport, Eastern Oregon University.