English 315

English 315

Assignments

Assignment #1 Novel Presentation

For each novel presentation, one group of students will prepare and lead the class in the novel study. Each group must

develop discussion questions,
lead the class in a discussion of the novel,
research and present information about the author,
investigate and present other novels by the author,
find, bring to class, and present 3 or more professional resources helpful in the study of this novel (journal articles, books, web sites)
an instructional activity to be used in the teaching of this novel.
prepare and distribute an information sheet about the novel and its author which includes biographical information, a bibliography of professional resources, discussion questions and other information from your novel presentation.
prepare all materials in html format for publishing on the web.

Resources that you will want to use in preparing this session: Literature for Today’s Young Adults (on reserve), What A Novel Idea: Projects and Activities for Young Adult Literature (on reserve), and Adolescent Literature Web Page (http://www.elmhurst.edu/library/Childlit/Yaresources.html) for this course.

Assignment #2 Reading Contract

The most effective way to learn about adolescent literature is to read widely in books for this audience. For this course, you may choose a reading contract of 5, 10, or 15 novels to read outside of class. A reading contract of 5 books will earn a C grade, a contract of 10 books will earn a B grade, and a contract of 15 books will earn an A grade. Books may be selected from either the lists at the end of the chapters in Reading Their World, from the CD-ROM database included in the textbook, and/or from the lists found on the course’s web page. The books selected must represent all four genres (contemporary realistic fiction, multicultural fiction, historical fiction, fantasy/science fiction), must be books you have not read previously for this or any other class, and must include at least one Harry Potter that you have not already read. A list of the books you intend to read is due on March 1 for approval by the instructor. You must also post your reading list on the course Web Board.

To fulfill this contract, you must also share your reading with the rest of the class by either attending two reading discussion during April and May OR by posting a reading response for each title on the course Web Board (http://206.68.119.120/~English315). You must also write a brief reflective paper about your own plans for future reading. The reading contract must be completed by May 10.

January 29, 2001