University of Wisconsin Stout | Wisconsin's Polytechnic University

RDGED 704 Young Adult (YA) Literature in the Reading Program (grades 6-12)

Online Course 3 semester hours graduate credit
Instructor: Sharron McElmeel
Tuition and Registration
June 10 - August 16, 2013

Description

Focuses on the literature and trends over time as well as myriad of ideas for incorporating the use of literature into the goals/objectives of the classroom or library program.

Designing strategies to build an appreciation of literature, motivating life-long readers, and using literature to encourage critical thinking across the curriculum.  Topics include the nature of teen-age readers, genres of young adult literature, and its use in classroom curriculum.

Designed for middle and high school English teachers, media specialists, talented and gifted consultants, special educators, classroom teachers, media specialists and reading teachers, and directors of instruction.

This course focuses on the following key areas in the English Language Arts Common Core State Standards

• Examines the role of young adult literature in relation to their culture and development and to build knowledge toward developing a curriculum that promotes “a progressive development of reading comprehension.”
• Provides suggestions for “a diverse array of contemporary literature as well as challenging informational texts in a range of subjects.”
• Supports inclusion of classic myths and stories from around the world.
• Promotes reading as a means of developing vocabularies and conventions of language.
• Provides an opportunity to model integration of technology with literature related activities.

This is one of the required courses for individuals pursuing reading teacher certification, WI 316. This course is an approved elective in the Master of Science in Education online degree program. 

NOTE: You may enroll in this course to meet your goals for professional development, license renewal, or to complete graduate credits and transfer the credit to another university for school library media specialist or reading certification program.

Textbooks

1. McElmeel, S., Loertscher, D. V., & Wrenn- Estes, B. (2013). Young Adult Literature and Multimedia: A Quick Guide (8th ed.). Salt Lake City: Learning Commons Press/Hi Willow Research and Publishing. ISBN: 978-1-933170-69-5.  The latest edition with 2013 in the title will be sent.
   
   
2. McElmeel, Sharron L. (2013). The Best Teen Reads, 2nd Edition. Salt Lake City: Learning Commons Press. ISBN 978-1-933170-71-8

ORDER FROM: http://www.lmcsource.com

In addition to the required textbooks, participants will be asked to read widely in the area of young adult literature. Specific titles will not be required, but readings on each topic or genre will be required to successfully participate in the class discussion.

Learning Outcomes

1. Articulate a definition of young adult literature in relation to the total body of literature
   
   
2. Analyze the role of young adult literature in the development of a young adult's world view and the development of a role as a life-long reader.
   
   
3. Summarize elements of and reading materials representing pop culture and how those elements affect teen reading interests.
   
   
4. Evaluate fiction and informational books in various genres and areas of interest.
   
   
5. Select an appropriate title for a specific audience and prepare a written plan for a book talk for that book.
   
   
6. Survey books used in the classroom and library and assess goals for creating a climate of understanding and appreciation for diverse cultures and ethnic heritages.
   
   
7. Develop activities for motivating young adults to read and discuss books critically, for example: book discussions, literary circles, and so forth.
   
   
8. Analyze literary elements -- for example: content, plot, characterization, dialogue, and point of view -- in story and apply critical judgments to selected literature.
   
   
9. Create a literature unit demonstrating an understanding of the body of contemporary young adult literature and best practices for using literature with preteen and teenage readers.
   
   
10. Integrate differentiated literacy activities among the community of learners.

Alignment with Teaching Standards

Course objectives are aligned with the following Wisconsin Standards for Teacher Development and Licensure (WI DPI) 1, 4, 7

Because this class is online and open to you 24/7, you may participate from your home or work computer during hours that are flexible and convenient for your work and family schedule and responsibilities.

The class is highly interactive with a significant discussion component. All discussion postings, projects and assignments will be submitted via the course discussion board and dropbox. Activities are conducted according to a schedule with specific due dates each week; there are no required "live" chat sessions.

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The School of Education reserves the right to cancel classes that do not meet minimum enrollment requirements.

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Contact Us: School of Education
Online Professional Development
University of Wisconsin - Stout
Menomonie, WI 54751
Phone: 715-232-2253
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