Applied Studies

Storytellers-at-Large (SAL) Program

Since 1977, the University of Lethbridge Applied Study Program has worked in conjunction with the Lethbridge Public Library to offer students the opportunity to train and practice the art of oral storytelling. Storytelling sessions will occur in Lethbridge and area elementary schools (K-6), daycare facilities, and community organizations.

Responsibilities

  • Attend 4–5 training sessions about oral storytelling practice
  • Select and present appropriate stories
  • Encourage children to read and use the Lethbridge Public Library
  • French storytelling positions are also available (up to grade 6 French Immersion)

Qualifications and Prerequisites

  • Minimum 2.0 GPA
  • Second-year standing (a minimum 30.0 credit hours)
  • Mature, self-directed person
  • Open to all majors. A background in drama education, children's literature, public speaking, or experience working with children is preferred
  • Commitment to the program's scheduling (see below)

Basic requirements for all Storytelling Applied Study courses

  • The SAL Cohort runs each Fall and Spring semester
  • You will be assigned storytelling sessions as your academic schedule allows
  • You are required to have at least 2 half days available for storytelling (Monday - Thursday)
  • Submit monthly reports to the Applied Studies Coordinator on due dates as outlined in your Course Information Email. See the SAL course outline for report guidelines.
  • The Applied Studies Instructor and the Lethbridge Public Library Children’s Librarian will evaluate your performance by attending at least one session during the semester
  • At the completion of your placement, the Lethbridge Public Library Children’s Librarian will complete a final evaluation assessing your performance

Storytelling Applied Studies Course Options

Applied Studies 2000

Students wishing to take Applied Studies 2000 for the SAL program should consult the Work Experience 2000 syllabus for requirements.

Applied Studies 2010

Students wishing to take Applied Studies 2010 for the SAL program should consult the Work Experience 2010 syllabus for requirements, and review the following academic deliverable:

Academic Deliverables (SAL)

Final Report - Portfolio

  • Your portfolio should consist of a minimum of 12 of the stories told throughout the semester
  • It must be submitted by the due date specified in your Course Information Email
  • You are encouraged to be creative with the portfolio format and negotiate specific portfolio outcomes with the Applied Studies Instructor
  • Your portfolio must include an evaluation of the following elements for each story:
    • Literary elements including plot, theme, characterization, and setting
    • Discussion of story adaptations (including actions, intonations, and song) and appropriateness for particular age groups
    • Analysis of the historical and cultural significance of the story and why it is still relevant and interesting today (including use of secondary resource materials)
    • Bibliography (a complete list of stories told and associated primary and secondary resources)

Grading and Evaluation

Upon completion of Applied Studies 2010, you will be assigned a letter grade.

  • 60% Portfolio- assigned by Applied Studies Coordinator
  • 20% Placement Supervisor Evaluation- assigned by Children’s Librarian
  • 20% Monthly reports- assigned by Applied Studies Coordinator

Note: Students must receive a passing Student Performance Evaluation, complete the minimum amount of Placement hours, and submit all the required reports/projects in order to receive a final grade. If course requirements are not fulfilled within the approved time frame, a grade of “F” will appear on the student’s transcript.

Disciplinary Credit

If you would like to take Disciplinary Credit for the SAL program, consult the Disciplinary Credit outline for course requirements. The final paper should include consideration of a particular aspect of the storytelling experience within an academic context.