Issues of Diversity in Young Adult Literature

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

In this course, we will challenge the single story/ies U.S. schools and curricula have told about books, characters, contemporary issues, and cultural groups by focusing on literature by and about people from various populations that have been traditionally underrepresented in the United States. We will discuss young adult literature from parallel cultures (including possible works by and about African Americans, Asian Americans, Latino/as, Native Americans, Middle Eastern Americans, and other ethnic groups), as well as literature by and about populations traditionally defined by class, ability, religion, gender and sexuality. Furthermore, this literature often tackles sensitive contemporary topics that are not typically and explicitly discussed in schools, such as racism and privilege, sexual assault, climate change, and the opioid crisis. Course participants will investigate theoretical perspectives, issues, and educational implications for these texts in society and in the educational system. As an extension of the course, we will also examine the young adult literature market and how contemporary media may reinforce or resist the stereotypes and single stories associated with these cultures.