Syllabus
English 3323: Young Adult Fiction & Poetry
Fall 2009
ST 107, 4:00-5:15

Dr. Catherine Quick
FC 266, 825-3025
catherine.quick@tamucc.edu

Office Hours for Fall 2009:
M: 10:00-12:00
TR 12:30-2:00
Other times by appt.

Course Home Page: http://falcon.tamucc.edu/~cquick/eng3323F09home.htm

Student Learning Outcomes
At the completion of English 3323, the student will be able to:

• Apply knowledge of the history, function, themes, and reception of YAL in evaluating literature for the adolescent reader
• Write effective literary criticism of young adult literature

Course Goals:
In addition to the Student Learning Outcomes, English 3323 students will:

• Read and analyze works of YAL that represent multiple contemporary trends
• Trace the history of YAL as a literary classification in libraries, schools, and the marketplace
• Differentiate between YAL and adult works typically taught as part of secondary school curriculum
• Identify connections between YAL and canonical literature
• Explain how YAL is grounded in the adolescent experience

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.
• Canales, Violet. Tequila Worm. Wendy Lamb Books, 2007.
• Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. Warner Books, 1982.
• Levithan, David. The Realm of Possibility. New York: Knopf, 2006.
• Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. New York: Scholastic, 2000.
• Whited, Lana A., ed. The Ivory Tower and Harry Potter: Perspectives on a Literary Phenomenon.Columbia, MO: Univ of Missouri Press, 2002.
• Yang, Gene Luen. American Born Chinese. New York: First Second, 2006.
• 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 more information on each assignment.

1. Capsule Book Reviews (10%): three short reviews of young adult literary works.
2. To Kill a Mockingbird/Corpus Christi Reads project (30%): presentation, prepared in small groups, for local high school students.
3. Essay Summary (10%): summary of a critical essay
4. Critical Analysis (20%): analyzing work of young adult literature using the method from the essay summarized
5. Final Exam (20%): short answer and essay in format
6. Quizzes and in-class participation (10%): reading quizzes and 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.
• 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 Honesty/Plagiarism
The university will not tolerate plagiarism or any other form of intellectual/academic dishonesty. Plagiarism is a serious violation of departmental and University policies, but it is sometimes difficult to understand what plagiarism actually is. Often, students commit unintentional plagiarism (not citing sources properly, for example), because they are unaware of the standards that apply. Regardless, work that is turned in for the course that is plagiarized will be failed. If you are unsure about your use of sources, please consult with me or visit the writing center (in the TLC, in Library 216) for advice on source documentation BEFORE the item is due. For this course, please use MLA citation style. Any grammar handbook and many web sites have directions on correct citation. Click here for one such site on MLA documentation rules.

Notice to Student with Disabilities
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in making reasonable accomodations for qualified students with disabilities. If you suspect that you may have a disability (physical impairment, learning disability, psychiatric disability, etc.), please contact the Services for Students with Disabilities Office, located in Driftwood 101, at 825-5816. If you need disability accomodations in this class, please see me as soon as possible.

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.

Grade Appeal Process
As stated in University Rule 13.02.99.C2, Student Grade Appeals, a student who believes that he or she has not been held to appropriate academic standards as outlined in the class syllabus, equitable evaluation procedures, or appropriate grading, may appeal the final grade given in the course. The burden of proof is upon the student to demonstrate the appropriateness of the appeal. A student with a complaint about a grade is encouraged to first discuss the matter with the instructor. For complete details, including the responsibilities of the parties involved in the process and the number of days allowed for completing the steps in the process, see University Rule 13.02.99.C2, Student Grade Appeals, and University Procedure 13.02.99.C2.01, Student Grade Appeal Procedures. These documents are accessible through the University Rules Web site at http://www.tamucc.edu/provost/university_rules/index.html. For asstance and/or guidance in the grade appeal process, students may contact the Office of Student Affairs.

Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this syllabus, please speak with me as soon as possible. You are responsible for understanding and adhering to the policies of this course and TAMU-CC.