ENGL 236 - Youth Literature

3 Credit: (3 lecture, 0 lab, 0 clinical) 3 Contact Hours: [ENGL 100 or ENGL 101 ]

This is a survey of literature that investigates the multiple genres of contemporary young adult literature created for middle and high school age groups (11-18). Students will read a diverse range of young adult texts written by distinguished authors and will be discussed from the perspectives of genre, theme, representations of adolescence and adulthood, and approaches to interpretation. Further study will include methods, selection processes, criticism, applications, and writing.
OFFERED: spring semesters

Course Goals/ Objectives/ Competencies:
Goal 1: Recognize the quality and variety of young adult trade books as distinct pieces of literature appropriate for ages eleven through eighteen.

Objectives:

Identify various literary genres such as contemporary realistic fiction, historical fiction, modern fantasy, science fiction, poetry, graphic novels, and non-fiction suitable for use with adolescents.
Research quality trade books through using the public library and Internet.
Discuss the various types of literature appropriate written by notable authors for use with young adults.
Participate in discussions that prompt an understanding of, and appreciation for, selected award-winning young adult novels.

Goal 2: Develop an understanding of the cognitive developmental tasks confronting adolescents and the role of literature in the process.

Objectives:

Create an appropriate literature thematic unit and be able to select a variety of materials that will meet the educational and emotional needs of young adults.
Evaluate the positive and appropriate depiction of diverse characters in terms of gender, religion, race, or ethnic origin as well as those with disabilities.
Describe strategies for addressing current issues in selecting and using young adult literature.
Establish an awareness of developmental challenges in the selection of youth literature by interviewing a professional.

Goal 3: Write perceptively about young adult literature.

Objectives:

Through reader response logs, interpret how young adult books reflect adolescents’ experiences and meet their emotional and intellectual needs.
Through logs, reflect on ways the literary themes and situations connect to one’s life experiences.
Promote strategies for developing writing skills to heighten understanding of young adult literature.
Analyze the main literary elements in youth literature.