Syllabus - SLIS 5410: Adult Materials and Reading Interests
Instructor: Frances A. May
E-mail: Frances.May@unt.edu
Textbook (Required): Saricks, Joyce. The Readers' Advisory Guide to Genre Fiction. Second Edition,
2009. ALA Editions. ISBN : 978-0838909898
Course Goals:
After completing this course, students will be able to:





Recognize the major genres of popular fiction and films, and be able to advise patrons on their
reading needs
Use the reference tools pertaining to popular fiction, both paper and electronic
Reflect on and understand their own reading tastes and needs
Plan and assess programs for adults and other patron groups
Order materials according to the demographic needs of the library community
Assignments:



Weekly:
o Read the lesson on the weekly topic and the chapter in the textbook pertaining to the
topic. Occasional other articles or chapters from online books where needed
o Read and report on an example of popular fiction; comment on the reports of at least 34 other students (within a group); answer other students’ questions regarding their
report.
Papers (2-3 pages long, single spaced):
o description and analysis of a visit to a library or bookstore
o design and describe a program for a library, either a day-long program or a program
series spread out over weeks or months.
Final Project (5-7 pages long, single spaced):
o There are several suggestions made for the students. Students may also propose their
own program to the teacher, who will give permission or discuss it with them
Usual Sequence of topics:






Introductory lesson
Lesson 1: Mystery
Lesson 2: Western
Lesson 3: Inspirational Fiction
Lesson 4: Thriller
Lesson 5: Programming









Lesson 6: Romance
Lesson 7: Multicultural (American Ethnic) Fiction
Lesson 8: Graphic Novels
Lesson 9: Historical Fiction
Lesson 10: Choosing Films
Lesson 11: Horror
Lesson 12: Science Fiction
Lesson 13: Fantasy
Lesson 14: Nonfiction (no book report)
There may be some changes in the sequence but it will be detailed in the calendar.
Academic Misconduct Policies:
Introduction : The first instance of plagiarism or other forms of cheating may result in the reduction of
the FINAL grade by one grade level, and the incident will be reported to the dean of SLIS. The second
instance will result in an F for the course. The dean of SLIS will be notified, as will the Center for Student
Rights and Responsibilities, which may impose additional sanctions, up to and including suspension.
Copies of documents relating to the situation will be placed in the student's academic file. It is the
student's responsibility to be aware of the policies regarding academic misconduct. Below is information
taken from the University and SLIS policy on academic misconduct. For further information see the
websites.
Additional information : Cheating and disciplinary action for cheating is defined by the UNT Policy
Manual Code of Student Conduct and Discipline
(http://www.unt.edu/policy/UNT_Policy/volume3/18_1_11.html). Cheating is an act of academic
dishonesty. It is defined and is to be handled as follows: “Plagiarism and cheating refer to the use of
unauthorized books, notes, or otherwise securing help in a test; copying tests, assignments, reports or
term papers; representing the work of another as one’s own, collaborating, without authority, with
another student during an examination or in preparing academic work; or otherwise practicing
scholastic dishonesty.” “Academic dishonesty matters may first be considered by the faculty member
who may assign penalties such as failing, reduction or changing of a grade in a test, course, assignment,
or other academic work, denial of a degree and/or performing additional academic work not required of
other students in the course. If the student does not accept the decision of the faculty member, he/she
may have his/her case heard by the academic department chairperson or head for review of his/her
case. If the student does not accept the decision of the academic department chairperson, he/she may
then follow the normal appeal procedures listed in Disciplinary Procedures.”