Course Description
Overview of materials for young adults in relation to their characteristics, information needs, interests, and abilities. Examination of history of young adult literature and current trends with use and promotion of materials. Emphasizes reading, discussing, selecting, and evaluating materials within context of adolescent development and current issues and trends.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of young adult literature, including current materials, historical development, and current trends, to understand current approaches and hypothesize future directions. (PLO 1, 5, 6)
- Evaluate and analyze young adult books and materials using standard criteria, thematic frameworks, and an understanding of the author’s style. (PLO 1, 2, 4)
- Explore and evaluate a variety of nonprint resources for adolescents, such as digital media, databases, audiobooks, and multimedia resources, to assess their suitability and appeal for young adult audiences. (PLO 1, 2, 4
- Utilize professional resources and write about young adult literature in various formats, demonstrating an ability to communicate effectively about the literature. (PLO 1, 4, 7)
- Investigate and analyze young adult book awards, including their origins, criteria for selection, and appeal to young readers, to develop a comprehensive understanding of their significance in young adult literature. (PLO 4, 7
- Apply an understanding of adolescents’ interests and needs in reading guidance settings, designing activities to promote enjoyment and facilitate individual selection of literature. (PLO 2, 4, 5, 7)
Course Grading Information:
| Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
| Review Sources Scavenger Hunt | 10% |
| YA Book Award Group Presentation | 15% |
| Literature Log (2 Parts) | 20% |
| Readers' Advisory Project | 10% |
| What Would You Include? Group Proposal | 15% |
| Book Talk Project | 15% |
| Class Participation | 15% |
Attendance/Participation:
Class participation consists of (1) Attendance and participation in the synchronous online sessions; AND Viewing of recorded asynchronous sessions; (2) Contributing to group projects; (3) Contributing during meetings by asking questions, commenting on required readings, responding to questions, and other meaningful interaction; (4) Contributing to online discussion forums. If a student must be absent from a synchronous online class, they should notify the instructor in advance.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
Young Adult Literature: From Romance to Realism — Michael Cart, 4th Edition, Neal-Schuman, 2022, ISBN 978-0838947470
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.