LIB 532: Multicultural Children's & Young Adult Literature, K-12 (3 cr)

COURSE
DESCRIPTION

The purpose of this course is to expose students to a variety of multicultural children's and young adult literature. Students will read a variety of literature across cultures found within the United States and across multiple grade levels.

PREREQUISITES

There are no required prerequisites for this course. However, learners are assumed to be teachers with access to K-12 students.

COURSE
STRUCTURE

Readings from textbook and Internet with postings to discussion board; classroom-based assignments for K-12 students; culminating project.

STANDARDS

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

1.1	Demonstrate knowledge of psychological, sociological, and linguistic foundations of reading and writing processes and instruction.
1.2	Demonstrate knowledge of reading research and histories of reading.
1.3	Demonstrate knowledge of language development and reading acquisition and the variations related to cultural and linguistic diversity.
2.1	Use instructional grouping options (individual, small-group, whole-class, and computer-based) as appropriate for accomplishing given purposes.
2.2	Use a wide range of instructional practices, approaches and methods, including technology-based practices, for learners at different stages of development and from differing cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
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.
3.1	Use a wide range of assessment tools and practices that range from individual and group standardized tests to individual and group informal classroom assessment strategies, including technology-based assessment tools.
3.2	Place students along a developmental continuum and identify students' proficiencies and difficulties.
3.3	Use assessment information to plan, evaluate, and revise effective instruction that meets the needs of all students, including those at different developmental stages and those from differing 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.
4.3	Model reading and writing enthusiastically as valued lifelong activities.

PRACTICAL
APPLICATIONS

Students will

Gain awareness of multicultural children's literature through reading a variety of multicultural literature and devaluating the portrayal of various cultures within the United States
Make connections between significant historical/social events and multicultural literature
Critically analyze multicultural literature for accuracy, authenticity, and quality
Develop a lesson and/or unit using multicultural children's literature

CORE/ELECTIVE

This graduate course can be used as 3 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

Leigh Ann Morlock, adjunct faculty, Portland State University. Coordinating Librarian for Improving Literacy through School Libraries federal grant; high school language arts teacher and district library media specialist for 4 years. (BA, Point Park University, Pittsburgh, PA; MAT, Chatham College, Pittsburgh; MS in Educational Media/Librarianship, Portland State University)

TARGET
AUDIENCE

K-12 teachers interested in using multicultural literature in the classroom to strengthen motivation and connections and to expand student knowledge and perspectives.

TIME
COMMITMENT

Approximately 90 total hours in course-related activities (e.g., reading the text and course materials, posting to discussion forums, completing written 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

Contact PSU for textbook information.

COST

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

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 Leigh Ann Morlock.