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ENL2006 Literature for Young Adults

Semester 1, 2023 Springfield On-campus
Units : 1
School or Department : School of Humanities & Communication
Grading basis : Graded
Course fee schedule : /current-students/administration/fees/fee-schedules

Staffing

Course Coordinator:

Overview

This course focuses on the notion of the teenager and young adult as they have been constructed in literature, and the ways in which literary narratives of youth in turn affect social and cultural understandings of the experience of growing up. It takes a literary approach to the study of a range of novels, films, poetry, and shorter fiction, considering narrative modes, structures, and genres. This reinforces the literary skills introduced in first-year Literature courses. The course is critical for students of English Literature, including those in the Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED).

The emerging field of study--Young Adult Literature (YA)--provides a critical framework for an investigation of the historical concept of childhood and the invention of the teenager in the twentieth century. In Literature, young adulthood is more than a developmental stage; it is also a representation of transformation and social change. These transformations will be explored in terms of their cultural and historical context using relevant literary theories. By reading young adult fiction, you will engage with adolescent issues, particularly diverse and marginalised groups, and explore the perceived threats of adolescent rebellion.

Course learning outcomes

On completion of this course students should be able to demonstrate:

  1. identify and explain literary and generic features of narrative forms related to YA fiction including novel, poetry, film and short prose;
  2. apply disciplinary concepts, current criticism, and relevant literary theories to explaining the relevance of historical, cultural and social contexts to young adult fiction, its themes and issues;
  3. construct a coherent written argument using textual evidence from the primary source and by locating, assessing and selecting appropriate secondary reference;
  4. evidence an ability to communicate effectively using appropriate scholarly conventions, including MLA referencing, applying the norms and practices of ethical inquiry;
  5. critically analyse and reflect on the usefulness of YA literature as sites for re-imagining and re-forming society, transforming culture and enacting social change.

Topics

Description Weighting(%)
1. Historical childhoods and the Bildungsroman 10.00
2. Inventing the Teenager 15.00
3. Diversity and Young Adult Literature: Sex and Sexuality 25.00
4. Diversity and Young Adult Literature: Politics of Race 25.00
5. The Teen and Technology: Stories of Adolescent Rebellion 25.00

Text and materials required to be purchased or accessed

Gaiman, N 2010, The Graveyard Book, Harper Collins, New York.
Kwaymullina, A and Kwaymullina, E 2019, Catching Teller Crow, Penguin Books, London.
Prince, L 2014, Tomboy: A Graphic Memoir, Zest Books, Minneapolis.
Reitman, J 2007, Juno.
(Film - available for view through EduTV.)

Student workload expectations

To do well in this subject, students are expected to commit approximately 10 hours per week including class contact hours, independent study, and all assessment tasks. If you are undertaking additional activities, which may include placements and residential schools, the weekly workload hours may vary.

Assessment details

Approach Type Description Group
Assessment
Weighting (%) Course learning outcomes
Assignments Written Online forums No 10 1,2,5
Assignments Written Critique (written) No 30 2,3,4
Assignments Written Quiz No 20 1,2
Assignments Written Essay No 40 2,3,4
Date printed 9 February 2024