Catalog Description

Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Description: An examination of high quality literary works written for for young adults, including discussion of literary form, the criteria for selection, practice in presentation and analysis, and aesthetic appreciation in young readers.Includes the discussion of the history of young adult literature and current issues such as censorship, literacy, multiculturalism, and diversity. May include representative writers such as Shakespeare, Dickens, Twain, and Tolkien as well as contemporary, diverse writers such as Angelou, Lowry, Rowling, Salinger, and Zusak. (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Describe and evaluate outstanding literary achievements of young adult literature using concepts such as theme, plot, character, style, point of view, and genre.
  • CSLO #2: Analyze controversies associated with criticism of young adult literature, such as censorship, literacy, multiculturalism, and diversity.
  • CSLO #3: Describe and explain adolescent psychosocial development and other issues as they are raised by young adult literature.
  • CSLO #4: Analyze historical and cultural influences in literature for young adults.

Effective Term

Fall 2018

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

108

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

1. Analyze outstanding literary achievements of young adult literature using concepts such as theme, plot, character, style, and genre;
2. Develop and apply criteria for the evaluation of literary achievement, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama;
3. Evaluate literature which meets specific developmental needs of adolescents;
4. Analyze cultural and historical influences in literature for adolescents;
5. Assess the contemporary relevance of literature studied;
6. Analyze political, multicultural, and censorship controversies associated with criticism of young adult literature;
7. Assess various sources for literature and literary criticism materials;
8. Identify and analyze adolescent psychosocial development and the various issues correlating with literature raised within this age group; and
9. Evaluate the writing style, genres, awards, and historical backgrounds of various authors of young adult literature.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • AA/AS - Literature & Language
  • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
    • CSUGE - C2 Humanities
  • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
    • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)
      • IGETC - 3B Humanities

    Articulation Information

    • CSU Transferable
    • UC Transferable

    Methods of Evaluation

    • Classroom Discussions
      • Example: After completing the reading assignment, the instructor will guide students through a series of critical thinking questions to generate classroom discussion. Discussions will be assessed through participation and critical thinking reflected in the discussion.
    • Essay Examinations
      • Example: Write an essay based on the life and writing experiences of any one author of adolescent literature mentioned in our textbook. In conducting the research, you need to refer to and cite at least three separate sources, and you must provide a Works Cited page. Essay will be evaluated using essay rubric.
    • Objective Examinations
      • Example: Match the literary terms with the exemplary literary quotes from various young adult works. Exam will be assessed by a Master Key.
    • Projects
      • Example: Complete a final project directly related to young adult literature, presenting the group literary-based activity to the class. Project will be evaluated using a rubric of grading criteria.

    Repeatable

    No

    Methods of Instruction

    • Lecture/Discussion
    • Distance Learning

    Lecture:

    1. The instructor will model a close reading of a text, such as "To Kill a Mockingbird." Students will be divided into groups and instructor will facilitate as students continue following the instructor's example. (Course Objective 2, 4)
    2. Instructor will introduce and describe an assignment designed to explore multicultural themes in literature. To support the assignment, instructor will produce handouts to supplement the assigned reading. Student writing on the assignment will be supported by written and oral comments from the instructor. (Course Objective 4, 6)

    Distance Learning

    1. Students will read an assigned work of young adult fiction and using LMS or social media discuss the elements of character, plot, theme, setting, point of view, style, and tone. Answer these questions: Does the author use words with skill and artistry? Does this book offer any significant understanding about people and life? Does it introduce new ideas? Describe them. Evaluate the book from a multicultural perspective. Would you recommend this book for young adults? Students respond to questions posed by faculty and/or peers, analyzing the merits of the literary work. (Course Objective 9)

    Typical Out of Class Assignments

    Reading Assignments

    College level reading regularly assigned. Actual novels may vary semester to semester, but collegiate text is required. 1. Read novels Robinson Crusoe and Gulliver's Travels. Analyze the literary devices the authors use in these adventure stories. 2. Compare and contrast The Color Purple and Joy Luck Club as representations of multicultural themes in contemporary literature.

    Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

    Papers analyzing various young adult novels regularly assigned. Research essay on author(s) or genre assigned. Journal 1. Journal Entry: Discuss the power of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to engage your emotions and imagination. How does it succeed or fail in deepening your sympathetic understanding of humans? 2. Research the life of author Maya Angelou with special focus on her novel I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. 3. Write an analysis of The Odyssey, focusing on the criteria of the hero's quest.

    Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

    Present literary analyses to class. Complete exams and quizzes. Complete a final project directly related to adolescent literature. Complete and present group project on a literature-based activity.

    Required Materials

    • Young Adult Literature
      • Author: Bucher & Hinton
      • Publisher: Allyn & Bacon
      • Publication Date: 2013
      • Text Edition: 3rd
      • Classic Textbook?: No
      • OER Link:
      • OER:
    • Young Adult Literature: From Romance to Realism
      • Author: Cart
      • Publisher: ALA
      • Publication Date: 2016
      • Text Edition: 3rd
      • Classic Textbook?: No
      • OER Link:
      • OER:
    • Essentials of Young Adult Literature
      • Author: Tomlinson & Lynch-Brown
      • Publisher: Allyn & Bacon
      • Publication Date: 2014
      • Text Edition: 3rd
      • Classic Textbook?: No
      • OER Link:
      • OER:
    • Teaching Young Adult Literature Today
      • Author: Hayn, Kaplan, and Clemmons
      • Publisher: Romman & Littlefield
      • Publication Date: 2016
      • Text Edition: 2nd
      • Classic Textbook?: No
      • OER Link:
      • OER:

    Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.