PRINCE GEORGE'S COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Welcome to English 2230: Children’s Literature
Fall 2010
Course Reference #: HY01
INSTRUCTOR:
Ms. Sarah Gottschall
Department of English
OFFICE:
Marlboro 3054
PHONE NUMBERS:
(301) 322-0083 (office)
(301) 322-0561 (English Dept.)
EMAIL ADDRESS:
gottscSD@pgcc.edu
To facilitate email communication with me, please include the
following code: CCGP07 in either the subject or the first line of
any emails to me during the Fall 2010 semester. (The code stops
legitimate email messages from being evaluated wrongly as SPAM
but does not allow emails that contain a virus or illegal attachment
into our network.)
OFFICE HOURS:
Face to Face:
I will be available in my office (Marlboro 3054) from 1:15-1:45
every Monday and from 12 noon until 1:15 every Wednesday.
Online:
I will be available from 12 noon until 1:15 every Wednesday for
virtual office hours. During this time, you may reach me by phone
or you may instant message me with any questions you have. To
use the instant message feature, visit the “Online Office Hour”
button on the Blackboard course site.
MEETING TIMES:
M 12:00 p.m.-1:15 p.m.
Additional online participation required
LOCATION:
Marlboro 3081
COURSE DESCRIPTION: A study of various genres in children’s literature with
focus on analysis of the content and quality of works from nursery
level through the elementary grades.
PREREQUISITES:
Composition II (EGL 1020, EGL 1100, EGL 1320, or EGL 1340)
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, a student
will be able to:
Identify a wide variety of children’s books from various genres, acquainting them with
major writers, illustrators, critics and works, historical and contemporary.
 Explain the important literary criteria for evaluating a children’s book.
 Identify and explain literary terms.
 Write analytically about aspects of children’s books (including genre, illustration, style,
and content) with appropriate documentation.
In addition, students will become aware of some of the theoretical problems and issues in the
discipline of children’s literature today.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK:
Carol Lynch-Brown and Carl M. Tomlinson. Essentials of Children’s Literature. 6th Edition.
REQUIRED TRADEBOOKS:
(available in the PGCC bookstore or at your local library)
Bridge to Terabithia. Paterson, Katherine. New York: Harper, 1977.
Charlotte’s Web. White, E.B. New York: Harper, 1952.
The Giver. Lowry, Lois. New York: Bantam, 1993.
Out of the Dust. Hesse, Karen. New York: Scholastic, Inc., 1997.
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Taylor, Mildred D. New York: Puffin, 1976.
Speak. Anderson, Laurie Halse. New York: Puffin, 1999.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Rowling, J.K. New York: Scholastic, 1997.
GRADING CRITERIA:
In order to pass this course, you must participate actively and complete all of the written work,
including exams, essays, and discussion board postings.
Assignment
Weight
Midterm Exam
100 points (10%)
Final Exam
100 points (10%)
Essay #1 (3-5 pages)
150 points (15%)
Essay #2 (6-8 pg., with research)
200 points (20%)
Research Paper Presentation
50 points (5%)
Discussion Board Postings
300 points (30%)
Reading Quizzes (5 @ 10 pts. ea)
50 points (5%)
Participation
50 points (5%)
Total
1000 points (100%)
Grading Scale:
A= 900-1000 points
B = 800-899 points
C = 700-799 points
D = 600-699 points
F = 0 – 599 points
Written Work:
1. Two Formal Essays: You will write one literary analysis essay (3-5 typed pages), and one
research essay on an award-winning children’s writer (MLA formatted, 6-8 typed pages,
with a minimum of five secondary sources).
2. Fifteen Discussion Board Postings: In addition to the formal essays, you will write
informal responses to the novels and to your classmates’ postings on the Discussion
Board. Your initial posting is worth ten points, and your responses to classmates’
postings are worth five points each. The purpose of the postings is to allow you to
develop your ideas, in writing, about what you have read and to respond thoughtfully to
others’ ideas and views.
What should you write about in these initial postings? You will notice on the Discussion
Board that I will generally give you some direction by asking making specific
suggestions and presenting specific questions for you to answer; however, I also
encourage you to consider your own areas of interest regarding the reading. What caught
your attention? Did you find a particular character interesting (or charming, or haunting,
or infuriating)? How do you feel about the ending? Do you have any questions or topics
for discussion to share with the class?
DO NOT simply summarize the plot. I have read these books (many times!) and do not
need you to tell me what happened. Rather, I want to hear your reactions to the reading.
3. Quizzes: Throughout the semester, you will be given six quizzes on the reading
for that class period. These quizzes may be announced or unannounced, and are
intended to evaluate how well you have read and understood the reading materials.
To ensure that you perform satisfactorily on all quizzes, be sure to read all
assigned chapters and texts thoroughly. At the end of the semester, your lowest quiz grade
will be dropped.
4. Midterm and Final Exams: Both exams will consist of short identification
questions from our reading and discussions, as well as an essay portion. Both of these exams
will be taken in class.
Please Note: I will not allow make-up midterms (except under the most extraordinary – and
documented – circumstances) and I do not allow make-up finals at all.
Grading Turnaround Times:
Quizzes and Tests: You can expect to receive quizzes and tests at the following class meeting.
Essays: I provide detailed and thorough comments on student essays. You can expect your
essays returned within 7 days of their submission (this means, however, that if you turn in your
essay late, you may receive it later than classmates who submitted on time.)
Submission of Assignments:
All assignments must be submitted at the beginning of class on the due date indicated.
All written work must be stapled or paper-clipped. Turning in a multiple-page essay or
assignment without a staple or paper clip will result in a 5 point reduction from that assignment’s
grade. There is a stapler available for your use in the English Department Office (Marlboro
3072).
Please do not submit essays or assignments as email attachments unless specifically asked to do
so.
Late Work Policy: For essays I impose a penalty of one letter grade deduction per day late. For
example, a B+ essay that is one day late would receive a grade of C+. Please note: I deduct
points per day late, not per class period. So, for example, if you do not hand in an essay due on a
Monday until Wednesday, you will lose two letter grades. Please do not slide late work under my
office door; instead, place it in my mailbox in the English Department office (Marlboro 3072).
I will not accept essays that are more than three days late.
I will not accept late postings to the discussion boards; if you do not post by the deadline, you
receive a zero.
I generally do not allow make up work. If you are experiencing a situation beyond your control,
and you have documentation, see me and I might make an exception.
Extensions:
I rarely grant extensions to students, but, in the event that you face verifiable extenuating
circumstances, I may allow you additional time to complete an assignment. Extensions must be
requested in writing no fewer than four days prior to the due date of the assignment.
Extra Credit:
I rarely give extra credit opportunities, so do not count on extra credit to boost your overall grade
(it is a much better idea to focus your efforts on doing the assigned readings, completing
discussion boards, participating in class, and turning in work on time). However, in the rare
event that I give extra credit, I will let you know about the opportunity in class.
Revision:
You are encouraged to revise your writing. When you revise, you must:
1. Turn in the revision no later than one week after the essay was returned to you.
2. Write a cover letter for the revision. The cover letter, addressed to me, should explain the
changes you have made to the original essay.
I will not read a revised essay that is submitted without a cover letter.
ADDITIONAL POLICIES:
Attendance:
Students are expected to attend all classes, face-to-face and online. In this class, each discussion
board assignment counts as attendance for the second class meeting of that week. Therefore,
attendance in this course consists of being present in class each Monday and posting responses
on the course Discussion Board by the posted deadlines. If you do not complete the discussion
board postings for a learning unit, you will receive a grade of zero for that posting and you will
be considered absent for that class session.
If you miss more than three classes, each additional absence will result in a five point reduction
from your final course grade. (Missing three face-to-face classes equals three absences; or,
missing one face-to-face class and two discussion boards equals three absences; or, missing three
discussion board postings also equals three absences.) For example, if your final grade is a 75
(C) but you missed five classes and/or discussion board postings, your final grade would drop to
a 65 (D).
As per English Department policy, missing seven or more classes will result in an automatic
failure of the course.
In the event that you must miss a face-to-face class meeting (a Monday session), you should
consult with your peers about what you have missed. It is your responsibility to get any notes,
handouts, assignments or readings that may have been distributed in your absence. You may not
post to the Discussion Board after the due date listed in that week’s Learning Unit.
If you face an unavoidable problem that affects your ability to come to class (such as an
extended illness or a family emergency), please see me as soon as possible.
Q Grade Policy:
If, after the first three weeks of this course, you have missed a total of three classes and/or
discussion board postings, you will receive a grade of Q for this course. If you receive a Q grade
because you missed the first three weeks of this course, your final grade for the course will be a
Q. You will be dropped from the class and you will no longer be on the class roster; you will
also not be able to access the course on Blackboard.
Tardiness:
Late arrivals disrupt class instruction and therefore have a negative effect not only on the late
students, but on their classmates as well. For this reason, tardiness is not acceptable in this class.
Three tardies will be considered equivalent to one absence. If you are more than 20 minutes late
for class, you are considered absent.
Further, when we have quizzes or in-class writing assignments, they will be given during the
beginning of the class; if you arrive late, you may not have enough time to do your best work, or
you may miss the assignment entirely. You will not be given additional time to finish, nor will
you be allowed to make up the assignment.
Participation:
Our classroom is an educational community, and you are an important member of this
community. As such, you have a responsibility to contribute to the learning experiences of your
classmates by sharing your ideas, questions, and insights. Because class participation is a vital
aspect of this course, you will be evaluated on the effectiveness of your class participation both
in the classroom and online (participation counts for 5% of your final grade).
Because this is a hybrid course, half of our time together will be spent in the online format.
Therefore, your full, active, and engaged participation in the weekly discussion boards is vital.
For each Learning Unit, you are required to post once and respond to two classmates’ posts.
These posts should be substantive; this means that your initial post should be at least two
paragraphs in length and your responses should be at least one paragraph each.
Effective class participation begins with preparation: In addition to completing all homework and
reading assignments, you should come to class and enter into online discussions with comments
and questions about the texts at hand. As you read, underline important passages and jot
comments in the margins. Then, after reading, take time to reflect on what you have read:
Summarize your views of the ideas presented, consider any connections you may see between
this reading and our prior discussions, and prepare questions for the instructor and your
classmates. Further, effective class participation entails listening attentively to other students,
sharing your ideas both orally and in writing, and posing thoughtful questions.
Lastly, though it may seem obvious, I feel compelled to state this: In order to participate
effectively, you must be present in the classroom and active on the Discussion Boards.
Therefore, to receive the highest scores for participation, you must consistently arrive on time to
class and engage in class sessions and discussion board postings.
Conferences:
I encourage you to meet with me often. You may meet with me to address specific questions
about the material covered in class, to check on your grade, to receive help on a written
assignment, or simply to chat. You are free to stop by during the designated office hours, or, if
this time is not convenient for you, you may make an appointment with me. In addition, if you
are unable to come to my office during office hours, you may make an appointment for a phone
conference. However, you must take the initiative: When you set up a phone conference, you
must give me a copy of any paper or work you wish to discuss and call me at the designated
time.
This course also has an additional option for office hours: an online office hour. From noon until
1:15 pm on Wednesdays, you may instant message me any questions you may have. A few
things to keep in mind about the online office hour:

This forum is to be used during online office hours only, Wednesdays from noon
until 1:15. This forum not a place to leave a message for me; if you need to ask
me a question at a time other than online office hours, either send me an email
(gottscsd@pgcc.edu) or leave a message on my voicemail (301-322-0083).

The instant message forum that we use, called Meebo, gives each user a
"nickname" (the word "guest" followed by a number). If you are working on a
shared computer, do not change this nickname. Also, since your name won't
come up on my screen, please identify yourself when you send me a message.

This chat room is not just a one-to-one connection with me; you may also use the
chat room to communicate with classmates about the course. This also means that
this is a public forum; so, anything you post here can be seen by others in our
class. Therefore, do not use this forum to discuss any information you would not
want your classmates to see: Do not ask questions about your grade or share
information of a personal nature. Such discussions are better suited for face-toface office hours (Mondays, 1:15-1:45).
Special Technology Requirements:
You must have reliable access to a computer and to the internet. Because technology has a
tendency to fail us at the moment we need it the most, you should also have a “Plan B”: a
computer lab on campus, a local library’s computer station, a coffee shop or internet café.
In order to view the Powerpoint presentations, you will need to have Microsoft Office on your
computer.
Technical Difficulties:
If you are having technical difficulties, there are three ways you can get help:
1) From your classmates: Post your question or a description of your problem in the
Readers’ Corner forum on the Discussion Board.
2) From me: Contact me, either by phone or email, to explain the problem.
3) From Distance Learning: If the first two options do not solve your problem, then you can
contact the distance learning office at distancelearn@pgcc.edu or (301) 322-0463.
DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES
Students requesting academic accommodations are required to contact the Disability Support Services Office
(Bladen-124) or call (301) 322-0838 (voice) or (301) 322-0122 (TTY) to establish eligibility for services and
accommodations. Students with documented disabilities should discuss the matter privately with their instructors at
the beginning of the semester and provide a copy of their Student/Faculty Accommodation Form.
CODE OF CONDUCT
The Prince George's Community College Code of Conduct defines the rights and responsibilities of students and
establishes a system of procedures for dealing with students charged with violations of the code and other rules and
regulations of the college. A student enrolling in the college assumes an obligation to conduct himself/herself in a
manner compatible with the college's function as an educational institution. Refer to the 2010-2011 Student
Handbook for a complete explanation of the Code of Conduct, including the Code of Academic Integrity and the
procedure for dealing with disruptive student behavior.
CODE OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
The college is an institution of higher learning that holds academic integrity as its highest principle. In the pursuit of
knowledge, the college community expects that all students, faculty, and staff will share responsibility for adhering
to the values of honesty and unquestionable integrity. To support a community committed to academic achievement
and scholarship, the Code of Academic Integrity advances the principle of honest representation in the work that is
produced by students seeking to engage fully in the learning process. The complete text of the Code of Academic
Integrity is in the 2010-2011 Student Handbook and posted on the college's website.
A few additional words about plagiarism:
Plagiarism is a serious offense regardless of whether or not it is intentional and carries
significant penalties. Consequences range from an automatic 0 on the assignment to an F* for the
course. An F* indicates a violation of the Code of Academic Integrity and remains on the
student’s transcript.
Please note: It is ultimately your responsibility to ensure that you understand the definition of
plagiarism and how to conduct yourself with academic honesty. If you have questions, please see
me
In addition, I suggest that you use the following resources to ensure that you have a thorough
understanding of plagiarism:
University of Maryland University College Plagiarism Tutorial
http://www.umuc.edu/ewc/tutorial/intro.shtml
Indiana University Bloomington Plagiarism Tutorial
http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/plagiarism.shtml
Classroom Policies:
I expect each member of our classroom community to contribute in meaningful ways and to
refrain from distracting behavior. I trust you to use your best judgment regarding proper student
behavior, but consider the following reminders:
 Inappropriate conversation, lack of preparation, and disruptive behavior are unacceptable
and will affect your grade.

Take care of all personal needs before entering the classroom. You are expected to
remain in the room throughout the class.

Beverages in covered containers are permitted; food is not.
A few reminders about cell phones:
 Cell phones should be silenced when you enter the classroom.

Do not text message during class time. Text messaging during class – even once – will
result in a ten point reduction in your participation grade.

If you face an emergency situation that requires you to check a message during class
time, please see me before class starts.

If your cell phone use poses a distraction, you will be given one warning before I write up
a disciplinary referral.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Aug. 30
Mon.
Sept. 4–6
Sept. 7
Sept. 8
Sept. 15
Sept. 24
Sat.–Mon.
Tues.
Wed.
Wed.
Fri.
Oct. 26
Tues.
Nov. 19
Nov. 22
Fri.
Mon.
Nov. 24
Wed.
Classes begin for fall 2010, except for Laurel
College Center
COLLEGE CLOSED—Labor Day
Classes begin at Laurel College Center
Refund deadline for full semester classes
Last day to apply for fall graduation
Last day to change from “audit” to “credit” or “
credit“ to “audit.”
COLLEGE CLOSED—College Enrichment
Day-No classes, except Laurel College Center
Last day to withdraw from full semester classes
Advance registration for Spring 2011 semester
begins
College Open; No Classes
Nov. 25–28
Nov. 29
Thurs.–Sun.
Mon.
Dec. 1
Dec. 2
Dec. 9
Wed.
Thurs.
Thurs.
Dec. 10–16
Dec. 22–Jan. 4
Jan. 24
Fri.–Thurs.
Wed.–Tues.
Mon.
COLLEGE CLOSED—Thanksgiving Break
College reopens; Advance registration for spring
2011 resumes
Advance registration for spring 2011 ends
Begin open registration for spring 2011 semester
Last day of regular classes for the fall 2010
semester
Final examination period/last week of classes
COLLEGE CLOSED—Winter break
Spring 2011 semester begins
Delayed College Openings:
When the College announces a delayed opening, all classes with at least 45 minutes of class time
remaining at the time of the opening will be held. For example, in the event of a 10 a.m. opening,
a 9:30-10:45 a.m. class will be held. This procedure applies to all credit classes.
Computer and Learning Labs
Office
Location
Phone
Hours of Operation
Learning Lab
Marlboro Hall
Room 2129
301-322-0503
Mon.-Thurs.: 8 am – 9 pm
Fri.: 8 am – 4 pm
Sat.: 8:30 am – 3 pm
Sun.: 10 am – 1 pm
Open Computer Lab
Bladen Hall
Room 104
301-322-0999
Mon.-Thurs.: 8 am – 10 pm
Fri.: 8 am – 5 pm
Sat.: 9 am – 5 pm
Sun.: Closed
Other Resources, Services, and Academic Support
Library
www.pgcc.edu/library
Location: Accokeek Hall
Phone: (301) 322-0475
Hours:
Mon-Thurs.: 8 a.m.- 8 p.m.; Fri.: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sat.: 10:00 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Tutoring and Writing Centers
www.pgcc.edu/students/tutoring_writing_grammar
Location: Bladen Hall Room 107 Phone: (301) 322-0748
How to Log in to Blackboard:
Blackboard is a web-based program that serves as the college’s online classroom. You will use
Blackboard to communicate with your instructor, to see your course materials, to submit
assignments, and to discuss course ideas with your classmates.
To log in to your Blackboard course, please follow these steps:

Go to the Prince George's Community College Blackboard website which is located at
http://pgcconline.blackboard.com. NOTE: There is no “www” in the Blackboard
address.

ALL STUDENTS must log in to Blackboard using their Owl Link account.

If you do not have an Owl Link account,
1. Go to the Owl Link website (www.pgcc.edu  Click "Quicklinks"  Select "Owl
Link")
2. Look up your Owl Link User ID
o Under User Accounts, select "What's My User ID"
3. Reset your Owl Link password
o Under User Accounts, select, "What's My Password"
Note: You MUST have a valid email address on file with Admissions and Records to reset
your Owl Link password. If you do not, please contact the eLearning Center:
eLearning@pgcc.edu or 301-322-0463.

Check your email to receive your password.

Once you have your Owl Link account information, type it in the Blackboard login box at
http://pgcconline.blackboard.com.

If your login is successful, you will see the Blackboard “Welcome” screen. In the box
labeled “My Courses”, you will see the course or a list of courses in which you are
enrolled. Click on the course name to enter your Blackboard course.
Need help?
 Need technical assistance? Visit the Distance Learning website at
http://www.pgcconline.com

Missed the Campus Orientation? View the Online Orientation at
http://www.pgcconline.com/aboutOnlineLearning/orientation.html

Other questions? E-mail eLearning@pgcc.edu