SC 323 SYLLABUS

Oral Interpretation of Children's Literature

INSTRUCTOR: James Floss E-MAIL: jmf2@axe.humboldt.edu
OFFICE: House 90, Rm. 102 (Schmidt House; through porch entrance). Office Extension: 826-5422. Leave Voice mail at this number.
OFFICE HOUR DROP-INS: M, W, 3:00 to 3:50 in Hs. 53, Rm 103. Phone extension during these hours: 3639. Do Not Leave Voice Mail at this number.
By appointment: See me to set appointments; we can meet in Hs. 53 or in my office (Hs.90. Rm 102, porch entrance).

PURPOSE and GOALS
This course is designed to be complementary to English 323. Using the theories and materials from that class will simplify and enrich your experience here. This class is a workshop in which to develop your skills in the performance of literature and you will hopefully:

• develop an understanding of the voices of narrative literature and poetry
• communicate meaning through the dramatic use of voice, body, and your body in space
  • support your interpretation through vocal changes and characterizations
  • support your interpretation through physical responsiveness
  • use staging to communicate meaning
• develop an understanding of the selection and adaptation of literature appropriate to grade levels
• develop listening skills and participate in critiques

READINGS
Each student will perform three graded readings. They are a poetry assignment, a group reading (Readers Theatre), and a final solo reading (Narrative Reading). Each will be evaluated by the following criteria:

• choice of literature to suit the assignment
• evocation of an appropriate mood for the literature
• vocal and physical responsiveness to the literature
• engagement of the listening audience
• written justification of your choices

Full descriptions of each reading are included in the printed packet or are linked to this page if you are reading this on the World Wide Web.

Free to discuss assignments and evaluations or to preview material with me during office hours or by appointment.

GRADING
For each reading, you will receive an evaluation sheet indicating your strongest and weakest areas along with a letter grade. Unexcused late performances will be docked an entire grade (i.e. from an A- to a B-). If you perform on your assigned day, you have a standing invitation to improve your grade by performing your piece again, in class (if time permits) or by appointment. A "Big Quiz" will be given. Your final grade will be determined in this manner: Readings: 20% each, Quiz: 20%, Attendance: 20%

ATTENDANCE
Your attendance is very important, whether or not you are reading on a particular day. You will learn much from the ideas, readings, and critiques of your classmates (and you have responsibilities as an audience member). One absence is discretionary. Each additional absence will reduce your attendance grade one full grade (i.e. from A to B). Exceptions will be made only for substantiated medical reasons. Four late arrivals or early departures will have the same effect as an absence. You may propose extra- curricular Oral Interpretation activities to erase absences.