LIBR 281-03
Seminar in Contemporary Issues
Topic: Storytelling
Summer 2003

Connie Rockman
connie.rock@snet.net

GREENSHEET

Course Description:
Storytelling has historical roots throughout the ages. In libraries, storytelling has played a key role in children’s services for the last 100 years, carrying on the oral tradition that provided social entertainment and subtle moral teachings in earlier ages. In addition, storytelling in libraries creates the desire to read more stories and leads young readers to the riches of folklore and literature.

The cultural importance of African griots, Native American shamans, medieval minstrels, Irish seanachies, and many other traditional storytellers around the world and throughout history has been well documented. Current reading research has established oral fluency as being intimately connected to success in reading and writing, making storytelling an excellent tool for leading children to literature and creating the desire to read. In this age of advanced technology, storytelling can counteract the inherent passivity of much of our media to foster creative, imaginative, and intuitive responses in young people.

This course is designed to give participants the opportunity to understand the power and importance of story and to develop the skill for sharing stories with children of all ages in the library context. Students will encounter a wide variety of stories from many different cultures, learn to identify resources for finding stories, develop skills in telling stories with ease and enthusiasm, and learn to identify the qualities that make stories age-appropriate for various grade levels. Participants will be encouraged to develop their own personal style of storytelling through class exercises and examples of professional storytellers in person and on tape. We will also discuss ways to develop and advertise storytelling programs in the library to achieve the widest range of influence for the librarian.

Course Objectives:

1. Create a rationale for story programs in the public or school library.
2. Identify sources for stories: Oral tradition (folk tales, fables, myths,
legends), literary tales, oral history, and picture book stories.
3. Assess appropriate age levels for stories within the context of
library programming.
4. Develop the skill to learn and tell stories with ease.
5. Create a personal repertoire of stories to tell.
6. Learn how to coordinate programs of stories, songs, & activities.

This course supports the following SLIS Objectives:
Preparing students to function effectively in libraries, information centers, schools, and other relevant institutions; Preparing students to contribute to the work of the library and information professions; Learning to participate in or contribute to the activities of professional organizations, community outreach projects, and library programs; Fostering involvement in professional and community associations and activities.

Required Text:
Ruth Sawyer, The Way of the Storyteller. Penguin, 1977, (c1942)

*Note: Before class begins read the chapters entitled: “Storytelling - A Folk Art” and “The Power of Creative Imagination.” You are strongly urged to read the entire book, but do read at least these two chapters.

New and used copies of this book are available through most on-line bookstores. An earlier edition of the book is acceptable.

Course Requirements:

1. Tell three stories in class – a fable, a picture book, and a folk tale of choice. *Note: These stories should be chosen from the resources listed in the syllabus.
2. Participate in class discussions, small group sharing, and exercises.
3. Keep a storytelling journal of stories you want to learn in the future, reactions to stories told by classmates, reactions to reading, ideas for planning programs. Journals will be checked at the end of the fourth day of class.

Blackboard
Syllabus will be available on Blackboard by June 1, 2003

Check Blackboard for the course syllabus and pre-class discussion forum. This course requires some advance reading and advance preparation which is discussed in the syllabus. Through the discussion forum you can choose stories that you want to present to the class during the week that we meet.

Grading:
Student storytelling will be judged on preparation and enthusiasm. You are not expected to be a polished performer. Grading will be based on effort, not talent.

“The society that cherishes and keeps its myths alive will be nourished from the soundest, richest strata of the human spirit.”
Joseph Campbell