LIBR 281-01
LIBR
281-10
Seminar in Contemporary Issues (Focus on Storytelling)
Summer 2006 Greensheet
Connie Rockman
E-mail
| Greensheet Links Required Text and Readings Course Requirements |
Resources Blackboard Blackboard Tutorials |
Libr 281-01 students must self-enroll on Blackboard before June 15th. Libr 281-10 students must self-enroll on Blackboard before July 15. You will be required to use a password access code, which I will provide on the MySJSU Messaging system.
Course Description
In libraries, storytelling has played a key role in children's services for the last 110 years, carrying on the oral tradition that had provided social entertainment and subtle moral teachings in earlier ages. Storytelling programs in libraries are designed to create the desire to read and lead young readers to the riches of folklore and literature, as well as providing an early socialization experience for preschoolers and an enriching literary activity for older children. The cultural importance of 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.
This course is designed to give participants the opportunity to develop the skill for sharing stories with young people of all ages in the library context. Students will encounter a wide variety of stories from many cultures, learn to identify resources for finding stories to tell, develop skills in telling stories with ease and enthusiasm, and learn to identify the qualities that make stories age-appropriate. Participants will be encouraged to develop their own personal style of storytelling through class exercises and examples of professional storytellers. We will also discuss ways to develop and advertise storytelling programs in the school or public library.Course Objectives
- Create a rationale for story programs in the public or school library.
- Identify sources for stories: Oral tradition (folk tales, fables, myths, legends), literary tales, oral history, and picture book stories, among others.
- Assess appropriate age levels for stories within the context of library programming.
- Tell 3 stories in class during the course of the week we meet.
- Create a personal repertoire of stories to tell.
- 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 and Readings
Required Text
Margaret Read MacDonald, The Storyteller's Start-Up Book. August House, 1993. This text will provide many how-to tips and step-by-step procedures for learning stories.
Recommended Reading
Ruth Sawyer, The Way of the Storyteller. Penguin, 1977, (c1942)
*Note: This text is intended as inspirational reading, with excellent background on storytelling as an art form. 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.
Further recommended readings will be included in the syllabus.
Course Requirements
Primary Requirements
The primary requirements for this course are:
- Learn and tell three stories in class - a fable, a picture book, and a folk tale of your choice. *Note: These stories should be chosen from the resources listed in the syllabus. Check with the instructor if you want to substitute other titles.
- Write three short papers: on fables, on folktales, on story program planning.
- Participate in class discussions, small group sharing, and exercises, in addition to your storytelling.
- Keep a journal of stories you want to learn in the future, reactions to stories told by classmates, reactions to reading, ideas for planning programs.
- Participate in class discussion and story choices on Blackboard. The class site will be available by May 15. Please enroll for the course Blackboard site by June 28.
- Check Blackboard for the course syllabus and pre-class discussion forum. This course requires some advance reading and advance preparation as discussed in the syllabus.
Grading
Student storytelling will be judged on effort, preparation and enthusiasm. You are not expected to be a polished performer but you are expected to do adequate preparation before telling to the class.
| Presenting a picture book | 20% |
| Telling a fable | 20% |
| Paper on fables | 10% |
| Telling a folk tale | 20% |
| Paper on folktales | 10% |
| Paper on Story Programming | 20% |
Grading Scale
Final grades will be based on the following grading scale established for graduate students by San José State University:
| 97-100 | A |
| 94-96 | A- |
| 91-93 | B+ |
| 88-90 | B |
| 85-87 | B- |
| 82-84 | C+ |
| 79-81 | C |
| 76-78 | C- |
| 73-75 | D+ |
Academic Integrity
Your own commitment to learning, as evidenced by your enrollment at San José State University, and the University's Academic Integrity Policy requires you to be honest in all your academic course work. All assignments submitted must be your own work. Sources must be properly cited on all papers. Faculty are required to report all infractions to the Office of Judicial Affairs.
The SJSU policy on academic integrity can be found at http://www2.sjsu.edu/senate/S04-12.pdf
Reasonable Accommodation of Disabilities
If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, please e-mail me as soon as possible. Presidential Directive 97-03 requires that students with disabilities register with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) to establish record of their disability.
No matter where students reside, they should contact the SJSU DRC to register. The DRC Web site: http://www.drc.sjsu.edu/
One Washington Square - San José, California USA, 95192-0029
Phone: 408-924-2490
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