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Course Description

Over the last decade, young adult literature has seen a remarkable rise in popularity. Venture beyond best-seller lists and the latest Hollywood blockbuster adaptations to explore the many possibilities of the young adult genre. Read several sub-genres of young adult writing—from historical fiction to science fiction—and examine a variety of writing styles and techniques, from different narrative voices to the numerous ways to build a world of your own. You will also investigate the expectations of the young adult genre, in terms of audience, style, and marketing imperatives, and explore what the young adult genre means to you.

The course format combines lecture, discussion, writing exercises, and workshop.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Identify writing styles and techniques used in young adult literature through the discussion of readings of various sub-genres of young adult literature
  • Generate ideas and apply writing techniques in a variety of genres by completing weekly writing assignments
  • Investigate the expectations and tropes of the young adult genre, examining the audience, style and marketing of the imperatives
  • Respectfully critique the creative work of others by participating in the workshop process, reading your own work and critiquing the work of others
  • Prepare a final portfolio of 20-30 pages that demonstrates engagement with at least two genres of young adult literature

Course Topics

  • Contemporary Young Adult/The Importance of Character
  • Romantic Young Adult/The Importance of Being Star-Crossed
  • Young Adult Horror/The Importance of Emotion
  • Stories in Verse/The Importance of the Poetic
  • Historical Young Adult/The Importance of Detail
  • Science Fiction & Fantasy/The Importance of the Real
  • Moving Forward with Young Adult Fiction

Additional Requirements

This course is intended for adult learners. There are no prerequisites for this course. You may take this as an individual course or choose to complete the Creative Writing Certificate.

Assessment

Assessment Item Weight
Participation - Discussion & Workshops 25%
Writing Exercises 25%
Reading Responses 25%
Final Portfolio 25%
Total 100%

Please note that the course assessment is subject to change. 

Sponsoring Partner

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

Technical Requirements

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*Course details are subject to change.

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Section Title
Young Adult Writing
Type
Remote Instruction
Days
Tuesday
Time
6:30PM to 9:00PM
Dates
March 19, 2024 to May 07, 2024
Schedule and Location
Contact Hours
20.0
Location
  • Virtual
Delivery Options
Remote Instruction  
Course Fee(s)
Tuition Fee $549.00
Potential Discount(s)
Instructors
  • Alexandra Jones
Section Notes

This course will be delivered online synchronous on Tuesday evenings from March 19, 2024, to May 7, 2024, from 6:30 pm to 9 pm EST using CourseLink, your course website, and Zoom for live video conferencing. You will be required to participate in the live conferencing sessions each Tuesday evening.

You will have access to CourseLink on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, to download your course outline and begin your readings to prepare for the first Zoom live session. Further information will be provided after registration.

It is the student's responsibility to be sure you have the technical requirements to participate in this course including having available

  • Webcam (Built-in or USB plug-in)
  • Headset or a Microphone and Speaker (Built-in, wireless or USB plug-in)

Please view the Withdrawal and Refund Policy - Continuing Education Courses

If you require assistance, contact our main office.

Students are responsible for having the required course textbooks. Students will be provided with a reading list.

Section Materials
  • Text (Required) (Mandatory) The Magic Words: Writing Great Books for Children and Young Adults by Klein, C. B. © 2016 New York: W. W. Norton & Company 1st edition ISBN 978-0393292244
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