English 183 - Fall, 2017

Young Adult Literature

Class Information

Instructor: Lanfersieck, Lindsey
CRN: 62676
Time: TR 9:00-10:20
Location: 6 Olson

Description

In this course, students will read widely and familiarize themselves with the growing body of literature written for and marketed to young adults. We will read and discuss novels related to (cultural) identity, gender and sexuality, race and class, diversity, coming of age, and a range of other social and psychological themes. The genres of Fantasy, Autobiography, Historical Fiction, Dystopian Sci-fi, and Verse will be explored. Some questions we will consider this semester include: What distinguishes YA fiction from other works of literature? What makes YA fiction so popular, even with adult readers? Should any topics be considered "off-limits"?

Grading

Short Paper
Long Paper
Blog Posts (3)
Final Exam
Participation (In-class writing, a few quizzes)

Texts

The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins
Looking for Alaska, John Green
The House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, Junot Diaz
Weetzie Bat, Francesca Lia Block
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Sherman Alexie
Cinder, Marissa Meyer