Syllabus
English 3323: Young Adult Fiction & Poetry
Fall 2008
CCH 123, 4:00-5:15

Course Home Page: http://falcon.tamucc.edu/~cquick/eng3323F08home.htm

Catalog Course Description:
Literary study of young adult literature through analysis, discussion, and interpretation. The course emphasizes literary issues connected with society, culture, history, and genre.

Course Goals:
The student will:

• Learn about the history and function of young adult literature as a category of publishing, reading, and literary studies
• Explore the reception of young adult literature in society
• Develop ability to judge the literary quality of young adult literature
• Become familiar with a wide variety of genres and works of young adult literature
• Investigate the main issues and themes common in young adult literature
• Read and write effective literary criticism of young adult literature

Textbooks & Materials
It may look like a lot of reading at first glance, but keep in mind that young adult literature is written to entertain a 10-16 year old audience. These books are not difficult to read and you will move through them quickly. However, that doesn't mean they are simple! We will be exploring their complexities in class.

• Anderson, Laurie Halse. Speak. New York: Penguin, 1999.
• Clowes, Daniel. Ghost World. Seattle, WA: Fantagraphics, 1998
• Meyers, Stephanie. Twilight. New York: Little, Brown, 2005
• Rice, David. Crazy Loco. New York: Puffin, 2003.
• Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. New York: Scholastic, 2000.
• Sachar, Louis. Holes. New York: Dell Yearling, 1998.
• Whited, Lana A., ed. The Ivory Tower and Harry Potter: Perspectives on a Literary Phenomenon.Columbia, MO: Univ of Missouri Press, 2002.
• Zusak, Markus. The Book Thief. New York: Knopf, 2005.
• Poetry handouts, provided in class
• A few articles available on reserve in the library
• A few works of young adult literature chosen individually by each student.

Assignments & Grade Distribution
Click here for specific instructions on each assignment.

1. Literature circles & presentation (20%): reading and sharing YA novels based on a theme within small groups, then presenting your findings to the class.
2. Essay summary (10%): Write a summary of one of the essays from The Ivory Tower and Harry Potter.
3. Critical analysis (10%): Choose a book of YAL (other than the required course readings) and write a critical analysis of it, using the essay you wrote your summary on as a theoretical basis/model for your analysis. You may use one of your books from the literature circles, but you may also choose any other work of YAL.
4. Individual Research project (20%): You have multiple options here--this is your opportunity to dig into any YAL-related topic that interests you. Requires a minimum of three outside sources other than the YAL works themselves.
5. Midterm & Final (30%): Essay form. Final is not comprehensive.
6. Quizzes and in-class participation (10%): Occasional quizzes over the daily readings, plus credit for any assigned in-class activities.

Submitting Assignments
All final drafts of out-of-class writings must be submitted through WebCT (quizzes, in-class assignments, and exams are handed in to the instructor). If you do not have a WebCT account already, please go to Island Online (http://islandonline.tamucc.edu/islandonline.php) and select "Login Help" for instructions on obtaining your WebCT account.

Course Policies

Attendance/Late Work
I do not wish to be in the business of judging excuses. The majority of reasons for missing class or turning in work late are legitimate, but those that are not legitimate (including some outright lies) make things difficult. Therefore, these policies are set up to allow you to miss class or turn in late work without having to tell me why. There is no such thing as "excused" or "unexcused." These policies will apply no matter what the reason. They are not penalty-free, but will not result in a failing grade if you do have problems that require late work or absences, and use them sparingly. But they are set up so that you will think twice before using them.

• You may take a maximum of six (6) absences with no consequences other than missed in-class work and participation credit. After six absences, your final grade drops by half a letter grade for each day missed.
• To be considered present, you must be in class on time, participate in all class activities, and remain in class for the entire period.
• You may turn in out-of-class written work up to one week past the due date. However, your grade will automatically drop one letter grade for each day late. That means each day, not each class period.
• No late work will be accepted for the presentation. The presentation must take place on the day you are assigned. If you are not here or do not present, you will earn a "0."
• In-class work may not be made up or turned in late.
• The midterm and the final cannot be made up unless arrangements have been made in advance.
• No late work will be accepted for any reason after the scheduled final exam time.

In-class Conduct
In general, treat each other and the instructor with respect and follow simple standards of common courtesy. Here are a few specifics:

• Please turn off all cell phones or other electronic communication devices while in class.
• Ask instructor's permission before using laptops in class. If you are given permission to use a laptop, use it only for course-related purposes. Violations of this will result in laptops being banned from class.
• Do not talk or make excessive noise while the instructor or another student is speaking to the class as a whole.
• When group work is assigned in class, you must work in a group, not as an individual.
• During group work time, please stay on task and work cooperatively with other group members.

Academic Integrity and Dishonesty
Students are expected to "demonstrate a high level of maturity, self-direction, and ability to manage their own affairs" and to "conduct themselves in a accordance with the highest standards of academic honesty." Please refer to the current TAMU-CC catalog for addition requirements.

Students with Disabilities
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment which provides reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you are a student requiring an accommodation, please contact the Office for Students with Disabilities at (361)825-5816 or visit the office at Driftwood 101.

Academic Advising
The College of Liberal Arts requires that students meet with an Academic Advisor as soon as they are ready to declare a major. The Academic Advisor will set up a degree plan, which must be signed by the student, a faculty mentor, and the department chair. The College's Academic Advising Center is located in Driftwood 203E and can be reached at 825-3466. If your major is in another college (e.g. Education), please contact that college for information and requirements about advising.