EDUCOut1ine ?
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SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
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SUMMER SEMESTER 2008
EDUC 390-3
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CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON YOUNG ADULT
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LITERATURE
(D100)
Beth Marshall
email: beth_marshall@sfu.ca
WEDNESDAY 9:30-12:20 WMC 3510
PREREQUISITE:
60 credit hours
DESCRIPTION
From series books to experimental fictions to graphic novels, the field of young adult literature is
thriving. This course introduces students to a range of young adult titles and critical theories through a
focus on adolescent literature--its history, unique characteristics, controversies and possibilities within
and outside the classroom. Designed from an interdisciplinary perspective, this course aims to attract
education students as well as students in literature and/or youth studies. Other "texts" such as adolescent
film and other "new" media (e.g., zines) created by or for youth will be addressed throughout the
course.
OBJECTIVES
This course draws on and introduces a range of theoretical perspectives that allow readers to ask
questions about literary elements, cultural production, representations of social categories such as gender
and ethnicity, and how these constructions of youth and difference are tied to larger social and political
contexts.
Students will:
• Read a variety of titles and genres to become familiar with the range of young adult literature
available
• Use a variety of theories to analyze literary elements
• Use a variety of theories to critically examine representations of race/ethnicity, class, gender and
sexuality
• Read contemporary scholarship on young adult literature
• Identify authors of landmark and contemporary texts and use professional resources to select and
evaluate young adult literature
• Research adolescents' reading interests
REQUIREMENTS
The course includes: individual study, daily assignments, research, small group and whole-class
discussion, and individual presentations.
Course Requirements comprise the following:
Quizzes: ?
20%
Participation: ?
30%
Research Paper/Project Proposal: 10%
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Research Paper/Project: ?
30%
Presentation: ?
10%
REQUIRED READINGS
Alexie, S. (2007). The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian. NY: Little Brown.
Brooks, M. (2002). True confessions of a heartless girl. ON: Groundwood books.
Anderson, M. T. (2004). Feed. NY: Candlewick.
Donoghue, E. (1997). Kissing the witch. NY: HarperCollins.
Hartnett, S.
(2005).
Surrender. London: Walker Books.
Pullman, P. (1995). The Golden Compass. NY: Random House.
Salinger, J. D.
(1951).
Catcher in the rye. NY: Little Brown & Co.
Yee, P. (2006). What happened this summer. Vancouver: Tradewind Books.
Zusak, M.
(2005).
I am the messenger. NY: Knopf.
Choose One: Graphic Novels (Titles will be assigned during the first day of class)
Satrapi, M. (2003). Persepolis. NY: Pantheon.
Spiegelman, A. (1986). Maus. NY: Pantheon.
Yang, G. L. (2006). American Born Chinese. NY: First Second.
Students in all Faculty of Education courses are encouraged to review policies pertaining to academic
integrity available on the Undergraduate Programs website:
http://www.educ.sfu.ca/ugradprogs/student
resources/index.html
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