LIS 2329 LITERACIES AND LIBRARIES

This course examines literacy instruction, promotion, and support for individuals and families according to the responsibilities and vantage point of the professional librarian. Most of the coursework focuses on public library, academic library, and school library contexts, including library services and outreach for immigrant communities and special populations (the latter as defined by ALA). Assignments and discussions can be differentiated to more specifically include literacy instruction opportunities in other library and information settings. Instructional methods include reading discussions and reflections, problem-based learning, and performance tasks. Students are not expected to "be" a reading or writing teacher before, or following, their participation in this course, although learning objectives include developing an understanding of the stages and development of reading in order to inform work that librarians are qualified to do. Teaching reading to children, young adults, and/or adults is a specialized profession, and the requisite, in-depth skill development and practicum experience (student teaching/internship/clinical) are outside the scope of this course. Our purview in the literacy arena does, however, include planning literacy-focused programs and events and selecting and applying strategies to teach or facilitate reading and reading instruction in the library. These competencies include readers advisory and bibliotherapy; modeling, teaching, and guiding information literacy skills and additional forms of literacy; and supporting students' or patrons' literacy needs in digital texts, multimedia, and e-reading. Students will read and discuss research on reading, literacies, and reading instruction, and study the work and resources of professional organizations involved in reading and literacies and guiding information literacy skills and additional forms of literacy; and supporting students' or patrons' literacy needs in digital texts, multimedia, and e-reading. Students will read and discuss research on reading, literacies, and reading instruction, and study the work and resources of professional organizations involved in reading and literacies

Academic Career: Graduate
Course Component: Lecture
Grade Component: Grad LG/SNC Basis
Minimum Credits: 3
Maximum Credits: 3