University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 2 | Credits: 10

This module offers an in-depth consideration of selected novels for young adults (YA) written since the 1980s. Diversity and activism in YA fiction will be the main lens for analysis. Issues under scrutiny may include: the evolution of the genre of YA fiction; the depiction of abuse; gender politics; the politics of LGBT+ narratives; and/or how YA fiction tackles political injustice.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the paradigms of the genre of Young Adult fiction.
  2. Engage with the theories related to YA fiction with a range of selected primary texts.
  3. Show an understanding of literary texts in relation to the issues of: a) Abusive power figures (Dahl, Collins, Said); b) Gender politics (Dahl, Gaiman, Collins, Albertalli); c) LGBT+ narratives (Albertalli); d) The migrant crisis (Rauf); e) Animal welfare (Said).
  4. Construct a coherent and well-informed textual analysis of the primary texts.
  5. Interpret and exploit appropriate secondary sources.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Matilda" by Roald Dahl
    ISBN: 978014136546.
  2. "Coraline" by Neil Gaiman
    ISBN: 978140884175.
  3. "Varjak Paw" by S.F. Said
    ISBN: 978-055257229.
  4. "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
    ISBN: 978-140713208.
  5. "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" by Becky Albertalli
    ISBN: 978-014135609.
  6. "The Boy at the Back of the Class" by Onjali Rauf
    ISBN: 978-151010501.
The above information outlines module EN6139: "Diversity and Activism in YA Fiction" and is valid from 2021 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.