English 112B: Young Adult Literature

Required Items

Course Purposes and Philosophy

This course will trace the social and cultural forces which have shaped the development of young adult literature and of a diverse and influential youth culture. We will read and discuss historical and contemporary works in a variety of media?including novels, short stories, film and television?which seek to explore and communicate the feelings, aspirations, concerns and dilemmas of young adulthood. This course will introduce you to the history, forms and functions of literature for young adults, as well as provide you with a variety of critical tools for reading, discussing, and writing about literary as well as pedagogical discourses. Our survey of young adult literature will include both classic and popular texts, including discussion of film and television, as both have a profound influence not only on books for youth but on the very ways that young adults read books. Through the readings, lectures and our class discussions you will develop your ability to read texts carefully and with attention to their literary merit, and your awareness of social and pedagogical issues that impact the use of literature in the classroom.

Course Requirements

Two exams, consisting of in-class short-answer questions and a take-home essay (25% each); a 7-10 page class project (25%); participation, quizzes and short writing assignments (25%). Attendance and improvement are also considered in determining the final grade. Assignments must be turned in on time to receive full credit.

Grading Policy

The following statement has been adopted by the English department for inclusion in all greensheets:

The department of English reaffirms its commitment to the differential grading scale as defined in the official SJSU catalogue ("The Grading System"). Grades issued must represent a full range of student performance: A = excellent; B = above average; C = average; D = below average; F = failure. Courses graded according to the A,, B, C, No Credit system shall follow the same pattern, except that NC (No Credit) shall replace D or F. In such classes, NC shall also substitute for W (Withdrawal) because neither grade (NC or W) affects studentsí GPA.

In English 112B this scale is based on the following criteria:

• A = Excellent: The "A" essay is well organized and well developed. The paper has good topic sentences and is virtually free of grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Besides a clear and persuasive use of evidence and fluid transitions, an "A" essay contains a fresh insight which teaches the reader something new about the subject matter and maintains the reader's interest.
• B = Above average: The "B" essay demonstrates a good understanding of its subject, a clear and persuasive use of evidence, a certain level of ease of expression, and solid organization. However, it may contain some minor problem with mechanical flaws, organization, sentence variety, or analysis. It usually lacks the spark of originality and creativity that characterizes the insight found in an "A" essay.
• C = Average: The "C" essay makes a good attempt at all the assignment's requirements. It has a reasonable understanding of its subject matter but its ideas are frequently simplistic or over-generalized. The writing style is also more bland and repetitive than the style shown by "A" and "B" essays and it often contains a large number of flaws in grammar, punctuation, spelling and/or word choice.
• D = Below average: The "D" essay is poorly organized and generally unclear. It has inappropriate or inadequate examples, is noticeably superficial or simplistic, or contains serious mechanical and grammatical problems. A "D" essay may also reveal some misunderstanding of the assignment requirements.
• F = Failure: An "F" essay has not addressed the requirements of the assignment and is unacceptable work.

Attendance is required and consists both of being in class on time, remaining for the entire class period, and being prepared with that dayís assignment. Since this class meets only once per week, more than two absences will likely lower your final grade. Reading quizzes may not be made up; however, the lowest score will be dropped at the end of the semester.

Academic Integrity

The misrepresentation of another's work as one's own, whether the original work is published or not, is plagiarism and will result in a failing grade. The incident will also be reported to the dean of students for possible further action. All quotes must be enclosed in quotation marks or, when more than three lines, put in an indented block. Full citation of the original author and source must also be included. Copies of SJSUís Policy on Academic Dishonesty are available in the office of the Dean of Student Services.

Disabled Student Services

Students with disabilities who need special accommodations should register with the Disabled Student Services Department. Please advise the professor immediately of any special needs.

Reading and Assignment Schedule

The following schedule may be slightly modified during the course of the semester, but students will be notified of any change at least one class day in advance. Detailed descriptions of the exams and project will also be distributed in class. All reading assignments must be completed by the first date listed. Titles with an asterisk (*) are films, which will be viewed in class.
 

WEEK 1 8/31	Introduction to the class and YA Literature
WEEK 2 9/7	Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre
WEEK 3 9/14	J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye
WEEK 4 9/21	Nicholas Ray, Rebel Without a Cause
WEEK 5 9/28	Robert Lipsyte, One Fat Summer
WEEK 6 10/5	Christopher Paul Curtis, The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963
WEEK 7 10/12	Anne Mazer, America Street Gary Soto, A Fire in My Hands
WEEK 8 10/19	MIDTERM EXAM Steve James, Hoop Dreams*
WEEK 9 10/26	Steve James, Hoop Dreams*
WEEK 10 11/2	Lois Ruby, Skin Deep
WEEK 11 11/9	Cynthia Rylant, Missing May Paul Fleischman, Seedfolks
WEEK 12 11/16	PROFESSIONAL WRITING FOR TEACHERS Gail Carson Levine, Ella Enchanted
WEEK 13 11/23	EDITING WORKSHOP;  Due: Complete, typed rough draft of semester project
WEEK 14 11/30	Jon Krakauer, Into the Wild
WEEK 15 12/7	Virginia Walter, Making Up Megaboy Conclusions Semester Project due
Exam Week 12/14	Final Exam: 5:15-7:30 p.m.

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