During week 2 we'll learn about the different disciplinary "homes" for children's literature (including YAL). As Coats, et al, argues in "Schools of Thought", the study of children's literature looks very different in English departments, schools of education, and the library sciences. We'll explore these differences, as well as the overlaps among the disciplines.
On Thursday we'll focus on what it means to think about YAL as a genre. What do we mean by genre? What's the history of publishing for young adults? How might a focus on genre guide the way we read this semester and/or the questions we ask about texts?
To prepare for Tuesday:
- Read and prepare to discuss "Schools of Thought" (Coats)
- Write your first reflection: Read the description in the syllabus of the requirements for the "Critical Reflection" papers. Write a 1-page critical reflection on one of the following topics:
- Find a representation of a YA. Do a close reading to analyze the representation of the YA and/or the implied audience. Try out the disciplinary convention of: Introducing the text, Inserting an example, and Interpreting the example. How does this text complicate or add to our in-class discussion?
- How would you position your interests in YAL in relation to the disciplinary map introduced in Coats, et al.? Where does this class seem to fall in this field? (You might use the syllabus and/or the “text” of this week’s class.)
- Find a blog related to YAL and read it as a text. What’s the focus or purpose? Who participates? What can you learn from it? How is the YA or YAL constructed in this discourse community?
- If you are a person who likes to read ahead, you might skim the articles listed on the syllabus. On Tuesday you'll be assigned 1-2 to read more closely and prepare to share with your classmates.
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