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Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title ENGL 2298: Young Adult Literature

Catalog Description

Credits 3
Hours/Week 3 (3 lecture)
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) None
Other requirements College level reading and writing is recommended
MnTC Goals (if any) Goal 6/Humanities - the Arts, Literature and Philosophy, Goal 7/Human Diversity

Course Description

This course is a study of literature written for and read by young adults, approximately between the ages of 12-18. In addition to examining characteristics of literary genres within young adult literature, students will consider current market trends and how literature for young adults is used as a basis for other artistic forms, such as film and other media. Students will study specific works of literature, both classic and contemporary and become familiar with the application of young adult literature in middle and secondary school curricula by activities such as preparing lesson plans, study guides, discussion questions, and writing assignments. Students will consider the developmental stage we call "adolescence," whether this stage has changed significantly with recent societal changes, and how literature may reflect and/or support those changes. College level reading and writing is recommended.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

April, 2018

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Literary works from different genres for young adults between the ages of 12-18 with in-depth study of selected works, both popular and classic
  2. Criteria for evaluating adolescent literature
  3. The role of literature in stimulating an interest in language and reading and learn techniques to foster a lifelong love of reading
  4. Cultural diversity within the United States as reflected (or not reflected) through adolescent literature
  5. The connections between adolescent development, communication, and literature

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Identify and describe genres and trends, both historical and current, in Young Adult Literature.
  2. Closely analyze texts, prose and poetry, for both literary style and artistic excellence.
  3. Develop and participate in discussions or reader activities, possibly for classroom use.
  4. Keep a reading journal of readings and assignments.
  5. Write clear, concise, critical essays/reviews of young adult literature.
  6. Select, analyze and interpret a variety of multicultural literature.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

Goal 6

The student will be able to:

  1. Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within a historical and social context.
  2. Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
  3. Engage in the creative process or interpretive performance.
  4. Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.
Goal 7

The student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an awareness of the individual and institutional dynamics of unequal power relations between groups in contemporary society.
  2. Analyze their own attitudes, behaviors, concepts, and beliefs regarding diversity, racism, and bigotry.
  3. Describe and discuss the experience and contributions (political, social, economic, etc.) of the many groups that shape American society and culture, in particular those groups that have suffered discrimination and exclusion.

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Communication
Students will communicate appropriately for their respective audiences.
Critical Thinking
Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.
Global Awareness and Diversity
Students will demonstrate an understanding of and respect for human diversity through their words and actions.

Special Information (if any)

None