This course explores a range of young adult (YA) literature that challenges the traditional Western canon. Students will analyze works from diverse authors, including those from marginalized communities, and engage with themes such as identity, race, class, gender and sexuality, and the environment. The course will also attempt to examine how YA literature has evolved, focusing on texts that are socially relevant and culturally specific, while considering how the genre intersects with broader literary traditions. Furthermore, students will reconsider the traditional meaning of “text” and examine contemporary texts such as film, television, music lyrics and videos and how and if they play a role in classrooms.
- Teacher: Cris Barabas