Character Education Through
Children’s Literature
Education 496(3), The Senior Seminar
Instructor: Sheryl O’Sullivan
Rose Garden 7
Department of English
Phone: 815-6000 ext.3322 (wk), 909-863-1498 (hm)
Email: sosullivan@apu.edu
Office Hours: Monday 10-12, Tuesday/Thursday 1-3, or by appointment
Course Description: This senior seminar course prepares students to understand and express a Christian perspective on issues critical to the education profession. Biblical, theological and philosophical themes relating to education provide a base, while historical biographies and examples supply a context in which students generate a distinctively Christian response to contemporary problems facing education.
Course Objectives: At the conclusion of this course the student will be able to:
1. understand what makes a children’s book high quality.
2. identify a large number of children’s books at various levels in various
genres for use in the classroom.
3. develop an appreciation for children’s literature as a distinct and valuable
type of literature.
4. demonstrate many ways to teach literature to elementary and middle school
students.
5. understand the necessity for character education in schools and the uses of
children’s literature in teaching character education.
6. complete a senior thesis that includes use of research databases, synthesis of
numerous research studies and defense of the findings of the thesis.
7. articulate how children’s literature and the individual thesis topic can be used
to further the Christian worldview in the work place.
Required Texts:
Lewis,
C.S., (1947). Abolition of
Paterson, C. (1977). Bridge to Terabithia.
Lowry,
L. (1993). The Giver.
Hesse,
K. (1997). Out of the Dust.
L’engle, M. (1962). Wrinkle in Time
Suggested Texts:
APA Publication Manual, Fifth Edition. (2001).
Strunk and White. Elements of Style.
Williams, V. (1982). A Chair for my Mother.
Volavkova,
H. (1993). I Never Saw Another Butterfly.
Martin, R. (1992). The Rough-Face Girl.
Cooney. B. (1982). Miss Rumphius.
Course Requirements:
1.
Thesis Proposal. Each student will prepare a proposal for a
senior thesis. This proposal will
include topic identification, an abstract, and a preliminary bibliography.
(10%)
2. Synthesis Paper. Each student will prepare a two- page paper which synthesizes three sources that will be used in the thesis. Write this in APA style including references. (20%).
3. Senior Thesis. Each student will compose a senior thesis of 5,000 to 7,500 words on a topic relating to ethics and education. Students will use on-line and library research strategies, and follow a carefully planned research strategy. This assignment includes both the written thesis and an oral defense. The written paper is 30% of the grade and the oral defense is 10%.
4. Literature Quizzes: There will be four quizzes, one for each assigned children’s book, throughout the course. (20%)
5. Professionalism and Participation. Students are expected to be present and
prepared to contribute to both large and small group discussions. Professionalism includes such items as class attendance, promptness, attention to assignments, interaction in class, etc. Two or more absences result in a half grade lower for this portion of the grade. In addition to being prepared and taking part in discussions, students will also be asked t bring in sample children’s books as directed. (10%)
Assignment Summary:
Thesis proposal 10%
Synthesis paper 20%
Thesis 30%
Oral Defense 10%
Quizzes 20%
Participation 10%
Scholarship Assessment:
A Excellence evident in preparation for and attendance in class sessions, curious and
retentive mind, unusual ability to analyze and synthesize material, with a positive
attitude making productive contributions to the learning community. Outstanding
mastery of the subject.
B Above average student in terms of attendance, preparation, time management,
Mostly consistent in test taking and attitude. More than adequate knowledge of the subject.
C Average or typical student in terms of attendance, preparation, time management,
inconsistent test taking and attitude. Basic knowledge needed to function and carry
on learning regarding major principles, central terms, etc.
D Below average in terms of attendance, preparation, time management. Minimally
Passing in performance. Serious gaps in knowledge.
F Inadequate or insufficient performance. Repeat course.
Support Services: Any
student in this course who has a disability that might prevent success in the
course should meet with an advisor in the
Academic Integrity: All student enrolled in this course are bound by the Academic Integrity code printed in the Azusa Pacific University Student Handbook.
Education Journals:
Curriculum Review Journal of Educational Research
Educational Leadership Phi Delta Kappan
Elementary School Journal Review of Educational Research
Harvard Educational Review Theory Into Practice
Teacher Education Quarterly
Related Information Indexes
Christian Periodicals Index
EBSCOHOST
ERIC
First Search
Guide to Social Science and Religion in Periodical Literature
ATLA Religion Index
Religious and Theological Abstracts
Tentative Schedule
DATE TOPIC ASSIGNMENTS DUE
9/8 Course introduction
Literature Critique
Lickona discussion
9/15 Character education Lewis, Abolition of Man
Research presentation A
Library instruction
9/22 Value 1: Caring Paterson-read all
Bring one book on caring
Quiz 1
9/29 Value 2: Courage L’engle-read all
Bring one book on courage
Quiz 2
Proposal due
10/6 Individual Conferences
10/13 Fairy tales and Character Ed
Research presentation B
10/20 Value 5:Sacrifice Lowry-read all
Bring one book on sacrifice
Quiz 3
10/27 Value 4: Responsibility Hesse-read all
Bring one book on resp.
Quiz 4
Synthesis paper due
11/3 Individual Conferences
11/10 Synthesis of all books
11/17 Thesis defense Thesis Due
11/24 Thesis defense
12/1 Thesis defense