Course Description


Reading gives us knowledge and new ideas to draw from in the future. It tones the mind in ways similar to the way exercise tones the body. As a result, time spent in reading for recreation has benefits beyond the immediate appreciation of the text. Students examine appeal factors of various genres of fiction and non-fiction by reviewing the history and classics of each genre, considering the therapeutic values of reading, and examining recent trends in online reading and publishing.

General Education Theme Area(s)


This is a General Education course that supports learning in the following theme area(s): Arts in Society

Essential Employability Skills


This course contributes to your program by helping you achieve the following Essential Employability Skills:

EES 1 Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the audience. (A)
EES 2 Respond to written, spoken or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication. (A)
EES 6 Locate, select, organize and document information using appropriate technology and information systems. (A)
EES 7 Analyze, evaluate and apply relevant information from a variety of sources. (A)
EES 8 Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems and contributions of others. (A)
EES 10 Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects. (A)
Assessment Levels —T: Taught A: Assessed CP: Culminating Performance 

Course Learning Requirements / Embedded Knowledge and Skills


When you have earned credit for this course, you will have demonstrated the ability to:

1. Identify and describe various genres of fictional and non-fictional works

  • Identify the historical prototypes, important authors, titles and awards given for each genre.
  • Use correct terminology to describe features of each genre

2. Examine and analyze appeal factors of popular fiction and non-fiction

  • Read and analyze the appeal of a book from one fiction genre of choice.
  • Define appeal factors
  • Categorize works according to their appeal factors

3. Explore online resources related to reading and publishing.

  • Maintain a personal journal that responds to information found on specific web sites.
  • Review specified online resources
  • Compare resources with genre conventions and note consistencies or inconsistencies
  • Discuss the quality of information found on genre-specific web sites

4. Identify and describe current trends in popular reading culture

  • Explore the concept of reading as therapy
  • Investigate the use of electronic tools for reading
  • Examine the impact of social media on readers and reading

Pre-defined Evaluation / Earning Credit


The following list provides evidence of this course's learning achievements and the outcomes they validate:

Report(s) (23%)

Validates Outcomes:  CLR 1, CLR 2, CLR 3, EES 1, EES 2, EES 6, EES 7, EES 8

Journal/Reflective Assignment(s) (30%)

Validates Outcomes:  CLR 2, CLR 3, CLR 4, EES 2, EES 7, EES 10

Discussion Forum (20%)

Validates Outcomes:  EES 1, EES 2, EES 8, EES 10

Quiz(zes)/Test(s) (27%)

Validates Outcomes:  CLR 1, CLR 4, EES 7

Learning Resources


Recommended Resources:

Herald, Diana Tixier. Genreflecting: A Guide to Reading Interests in Genre Fiction. 6th ed. Englewood, Co: Libraries Unlimited, 2006. (Available at the AC Library)

Online resources specified by the instructor

Learning Activities


  • Completing online exercises and quizzes
  • Searching web sites
  • Posting opinions and responding to other opinions on the discussion board
  • Summarizing the appeal of various genres
  • Keeping a journal of learning activities
  • Summarizing readings

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition


Students who wish to apply for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all outlined course learning requirements. Evidence of learning achievement for PLAR candidates includes:

  • Project/Assignment
  • Other: Personal interview with a subject-area specialist

Other Information


Students are required to respect the confidentiality of employer, client and/or patient information, interactions, and practices that occur either on Algonquin College premises, or at an affiliated clinical/field/co-op placement site. Concerns regarding clients, patients, and/or employer practices are to be brought to the attention of the program coordinator, or designated field/clinical/co-op placement supervisor so that they may be resolved collaboratively. Such concerns are not to be raised publically either verbally, in writing, or in electronic forums. These matters are to be addressed through established program communication pathways.

Course Related Information


Please refer to the Course Section Information (CSI) / weekly schedule for specific course-related information as provided by your professor.

Program Information


Department Information


Student Success:

Student Academic Responsibilities

Each student is responsible for:

Knowing the due dates for marked out-of-class assignments.
Knowing the dates of in-class marked assignments and exercises.
Maintaining a folder of all work done in the course during the semester for validation claims in cases of disagreement with faculty.
Keeping both paper and electronic copies of all assignments, marked and unmarked, in case papers are lost or go missing;
Regularly checking both Brightspace announcements as well as one's Algonquin e-mail account for important messages from both professor and college administration.
Actively participating in on-line/remote and classroom exercises and activities as required.

Class Conduct:

It is expected that all students will arrive to class on time and demonstrate courteous behaviour toward the professor and fellow students. The classroom allows us the opportunity to learn together, and through this process, there may be times where exploring new concepts and ideas may seem difficult or uncomfortable. It is important for everyone to have a safe space to learn. Individuals who disrupt other students or behave in a manner that is not in accordance with College Policy SA07-Student Conduct will be asked to leave the classroom.

Assignments:

Professors will clearly outline the assignment format, due date/time and consequences for late submission in the Course Section Information (CSI). 
 
Late submissions may be subject to a late penalty or a mark of zero.
 
If a student is unable to complete the assignment at/by the originally scheduled date/time due to a medical or compassionate issue, professors may consider alternative accommodations as outlined in College Policy AA21-Deferred Evaluation.
 
Tests and Exams:

Professors will clearly outline the test/exam format and scheduled date/time in the Course Section Information (CSI).
 
Students are expected to make every effort to meet the originally scheduled course requirements by writing tests and examinations as scheduled and submitting assignments by the due date as outlined in College Policy AA21.
Students can request to have an evaluation rescheduled if one of the following eligibility criteria is met:

Suffer from a serious illness resulting in the inability to be present for a scheduled evaluation;
Have legal obligations such as jury duty or court appearances; 
Face significant personal circumstances such as family bereavement or family crisis;
Have a conflict with religious observanceStudents are to notify their professor of their absence in writing and of the need for a rescheduled evaluation as soon as possible, before or, in extenuating circumstances, immediately after the evaluation is missed, normally within three (3) working days. 

Documentation to support any of the eligibility criteria may be required.
 
Program Progression and graduation:

Students are advised to carefully read and be familiar with Policy AA39 - Program Progression and Graduation Requirements. Students must check with the program coordinator, Academic Advisor or Student Support Specialist as some programs may require success in 50% or more of their Level 1 courses in order to progress to Level 2 of the programs.
 
Students who fail to meet the outlined progression criteria to advance to Level 2 will be required to withdraw from the program and must reapply to Level 1 through the Ontario College Application Services www.ontariocolleges.ca if they wish to return.
 
Withdrawn students will be academically encumbered and must meet with the Academic Administrator or designate for review and advising before returning to the program.

College Related Information


Algonquin College’s policies have been developed to ensure the health, safety and security of all students, faculty and staff, and the proper and fair operation of the College as an academic institution and employer.  Please refer to the Algonquin College Policies website for the most current policy information available at http://www.algonquincollege.com/policies/.

Students are especially encouraged to be aware of the following College expectations

Academic Integrity 

Algonquin College is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity, and students are expected to uphold these standards as part of the learning process. Any academic work submitted by a student is expected to be their own work, unless designated otherwise and all sources must be attributed. All students should be familiar with the Algonquin College policy AA48: Academic Integrity .  In some courses, online proctoring may be used to discourage cheating. Additional information can be found at https://www.algonquincollege.com/studentsupportservices/student-learning-kit/preparing-to-learn-online/. Students with any questions about the course expectations for academic dishonesty and plagiarism are encouraged to speak to their professor.

Centre for Accessible Learning
Students with visible and/or non-visible disabilities are encouraged to register with the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) in order to be eligible for appropriate learning supports and/or accommodations.  Students are strongly encouraged to make an appointment at the Centre for Accessible Learning as early as possible when starting a program. Once your needs are identified, a Letter of Accommodation (LOA) will be issued which you can share with your professors. If you are a returning student, please ensure that professors are given a copy of your LOA each semester.

College Email
Students at Algonquin College are provided with a college email account. This is the address that will be used when the College, your professors, or your fellow students communicate important information about your program or course activities.  Your network credentials can be found in the ACSIS portal and you are expected to check your Algonquin email regularly and to use it to send and receive college-related email. Support is available through the college Information Technology Service (ITS) at: https://www.algonquincollege.com/its/

Retroactive Accommodations
Students are expected to meet evaluation and completion deadlines as stated in course outline and course section information documents. In circumstances where evaluation and/or completion deadlines are missed or student performance has been affected by a temporary or permanent disability (including mental health), interim or retroactive accommodations may be considered. In such instances, please consult your course faculty member. For other situations where deferral of evaluations may be warranted, please consult Algonquin College Policy AA21: Deferred Evaluation.

Student Course Feedback
Algonquin College’s invites students to share their course experience by completing a student course feedback survey for each course they take. For further details consult Algonquin College Policy AA25: Student Course Feedback.

Use of Mobile Devices in Class
With the proliferation of small, personal mobile devices used for communications and data storage, Algonquin College believes there is a need to address their use during classes and examinations. During classes, the use of such devices can be  disruptive and disrespectful to others. During examinations, the use of such devices may facilitate cheating. For further details consult Algonquin College Policy AA32: Use of Mobile Devices in Class

Technology Requirements
As Algonquin College continues to respond to public health guidelines, many courses will be offered through remote delivery. As such, students will be required to have access to a computer and to the internet. There may also be additional technology-related resources required to participate in a course that are not included in the course materials fee, such as headphones, webcams, specialized software, etc. Details on these requirements can be found in the Course Section Information of the course outline for each course available on Brightspace.

Transfer of Credit
It is the student’s responsibility to retain course outlines for possible future use to support applications for transfer of credit to other educational institutions.