MediaKit Contents:
Syllabus:
Week 1: Welcome to Our Class!
An overview of the course
An introduction to important documents and locations
Get acquainted activities
Complete surveys on reading, writing, and general information
Learning Objectives
To introduce the elements of how to work in an online environment.
To share a bit about yourself with the class and learn about others.
To complete a general information survey
Week 2: What in the World is Young Adult Literature?
Reading about the genre
Getting to know one another better
Introduction to the themes we will be investigating and how the self-selected novel approach will work
Choose a novel for theme 1 and submit to the teacher for approval
A reading selection from two short stories: "On the Bridge" by Todd Strasser and "The Scarlet Ibis" by James Hurst
"Someone Like Me" assignment
Learning Objectives
To become familiar and proficient with the discussion, postings, and assignments elements of Young Adult Literature.
To read and analyze two short stories
To reflect on the purpose / themes in Young Adult Literature.
Week 3: Theme 1: Intellectual, Emotional, Mental and Physical Differences Part I
Read the first half of the self-selected novel for this theme
Participate in a pre-reading discussion
Begin group mini-research about the theme
Read four stories of people with learning disabilities or genius
Check-in for self-selected novel progress
Learning Objectives
To learn how to work in a wiki
To conduct research on topics that fit into the theme Intellectual, Emotional, Mental and Physical Differences
To read, analyze and discuss four stories of people on various stages of the intellectual spectrum.
To identify character, narrator, and conflict in the theme one novel.
Week 4: Theme 1: Intellectual, Emotional, Mental and Physical Differences Part II
Read until at least 3/4 of the novel for theme 1 is complete
Continue with group wiki mini-research--students will add information about disability, causes, treatments, and adaptations
Wiki mini-research- comment on others' information
Theme 1 book share
Character Continuum assignment identifying character traits and examples
Read/listen/watch five different people with physical, emotional, and mental differences
Learning Objectives
To learn how to work in a wiki
To conduct research on topics that fit into the theme Intellectual, Emotional, Mental and Physical Differences
To read, analyze and discuss 5 stories of people with various disabilities
To identify novel elements in the self-selected novel
Week 5: Theme 1: Intellectual, Emotional, Mental and Physical Differences Part III
Complete self-selected novel and reflect on the novel and the lessons this week
Final wiki mini-research report on disabilities and comment on others' reports
Blog about next chapter in self-selected novel character's life
Watch videos and read stories of people with autism and participate in a discussion about the Autism Spectrum
Book approval for theme 2 self-selected novel
Learning Objectives
To learn how to work in a wiki
To write a report
To read, analyze and discuss topics related to autism
To evaluate a self-selected novel and the lessons learned
Week 6: Theme 2: Cultural Diversity Part I
Read the first half of theme two self-selected novel
Participate in a pre-reading discussion about cultural background and discrimination
Group work: Bigotry and Intolerance wiki, defining terms and giving examples from self-selected novels
Read stories tracing racism/discrimination
Find examples of great African-Americans to share with the class
Watch 2 videos about Native American stereotypes and read an essay responding to questions about both with a reflection at the end
Answer questions about cultural aspects of your self-selected novel-post in an assignment
Learning Objectives
To work in a wiki
To investigate terms such as bigotry, intolerance, racism, discrimination, and stereotype
To read, analyze and discuss treatment of both African-Americans and Native-Americans in society, media, and literature
To identify the cultural focus in the theme 2 novel
Week 7: Theme 2 Cultural Diversity Part II
Complete 3/4 of the self-selected novel for theme 2
Write a scene summary from one character's point of view; identify a second character and write a monologue about the scene from this character's point of view
Continue Bigotry and Intolerance wiki by commenting on examples
Take an immigration quiz, read a story of a "New American" online, play some immigration games, read some interviews with immigrant students, and share a story.
Read two poems about immigrants, read some information on what is required to become a U.S. citizen, and participate in a discussion on cultural diversity
Learning Objectives
To work in a wiki
To investigate terms such as immigration and American
To share various perspectives of the same scene
Week 8: Theme 2 Cultural Diversity Part III
Complete reading of theme 2 self-selected novel
Return to group wiki and comment on point of view assignment
Post final project in Bigotry and Intolerance wiki
Read about different religions and religious clothing and how this affects bigotry and intolerance
Read an article about a letter written in 2000 from Muslim leaders to the Christian world and write a similar letter from one character in self-selected novel to another
Book approval for theme 3 self-selected novel
Learning Objectives
To work in a wiki
To investigate religion as a culture
To identify cultural conflicts and recognize both sides of the conflict
To respond to classmates in a respectful manner
Week 9: Theme 3: Tolerance in Times of War Part I
Read first half of self-selected novel for theme 3
Participate in a pre-reading discussion about war
Virtual field trip to the Holocaust Museum
Research as to war/reasons/sides/ effects that are the basis for your book
Read World War II poetry
Learning Objectives
To participate in discussions about war and conflict
To identify war and perspectives on it in self-selected novels
To read, analyze and evaluate Holocaust stories and WWII poetry
Week 10: Theme 3: Tolerance in Times of War Part II
Read 3/4 of self-selected novel for theme 3
Prepare your own piece of poetry
Read information about more current "wars" and respond to questions about them
Research some information for self-selected novels and share with classmates
Learning Objectives
To investigate situations of war in South Africa, Rwanda, and Sudan
To research information and be able to evaluate the information for your own personal response
Week 11: Theme 3: Tolerance in Times of War Part III
Complete self-selected novel for theme 3
Continue to prepare your own piece of poetry
Investigate refugee camps and the aftermath of World War II
Theme 4 book approval
Learning Objectives
To examine life after war
To read information and evaluate for personal use
To participate in discussions on the effects of war
Week 12: Theme 4: Tolerance and Diversity of Contemporary Young Adult Issues Part I
Read first half of self-selected novel for theme 4
Participate in a pre-reading discussion about teen issues
Gain an understand of the final book project and start the author page
Take a peer pressure quiz and participate in a discussion about peer pressure
Read about bullying and participate in a discussion about bullying
Theme 4 book approval
Learning Objectives
To participate in discussions on teen issues
To gain more understanding about peer pressure and bullying
To read, analyze and evaluate elements of contemporary literature
To write a book report
Week 13: Tolerance and Diversity of Contemporary Young Adult Issues Part II
Read the next quarter of self-selected novel theme 4
Final Book Project - work on Title and Choice pages and review classmates' pages
Read about teen issues: teen pregnancy, homosexuality, and eating disorders and participate in discussion on these issues
Visit Young Adult Literature authors' websites and discuss with classmates
Learning Objectives
To participate in discussions about teen issues
To gain more understanding about teen pregnancy, homosexuality, and eating disorders
To read, analyze and evaluate elements of contemporary literature
Week 14: Theme 4: Tolerance and Diversity of Contemporary Young Adult Issues Part III
Complete self selected novel for theme 4
Complete Final Book Project and give feedback to classmates on Final Book Projects
Investigate some young adult literature websites
Watch Young Adult Literature movie (choices available)
Learning Objectives
To participate in discussions on young adult literature websites
To find some websites that could be useful in your search for young adult literature
To provide feedback to classmates
To read, analyze, and evaluate elements of contemporary literature
Week 15: Wrapping up and Saying Good-bye!
Give feedback on Final Projects
Complete student survey
Complete course evaluations
Complete final course reflection
Learning Objectives
To provide feedback on author studies
To give feedback on the course
Course Objectives:
At the end of this course, you will be able to:
-Read a wide range of print texts to build an understanding of texts, of you, and of the culture of the United States and the world.
-Read a wide range of print texts to build an understanding of the many dimensions (e.g., philosophical, ethical, aesthetic) of the human experience.
-Apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts.
-Adjust your use of spoken, written, and visual language to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.
-Apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions, media techniques, figurative language, and genre to critique and discuss print texts.
-Develop an understanding of and respect for diversity in language use, patterns, and dialects across cultures, ethnic groups, geographic regions, and social roles.
-Participate as a knowledgeable, reflective, creative, and critical member of a variety of literary communities.
-Use written and visual language to accomplish your own purposes.
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