Young Adult Literature
Class Information
Instructor: Tinonga-Valle, Jennifer
CRN: 62162
Time: MWF 2:10-3:00
Location: 1130 Bainer
GE Areas: Writing Experience
Description
Walk into any bookstore and or public library and the vast and sprawling landscape of young adult fiction stretches out before you. Once a tiny section tucked into a dark corner of the children's department, in recent decades this genre of literature has come into its own, capturing the imagination of millions of teen and adult readers and inspiring many major film and television series.
In this course, we will explore YA fiction that encompasses a range of literary styles and perspectives, from enduring coming-of-age short stories and novels to today's popular series. We will read fantasy, science fiction, dystopian and problem novels. In addition to building a definition for Young Adult literature, we will explore the recurring themes and the innovative forms and narrative styles that characterize this continuously-evolving genre of writing.
Grading
Reading Journal/Homework, Classwork, Three Short Papers, Final Exam
Texts
The Fellowship of the Ring, J.R.R. Tolkien
The Outsiders, S.E. Hinton
Speak: The Graphic Novel, Laurie Halse Anderson; illustrated by Emily Carroll
The House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros
The Giver , Lois Lowry
The Absolutely True Adventures of a Part-Time Indian, Sherman Alexie
The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins
The Fault in Our Stars , John Green