Writing Young Adult Fiction

Curriculum guideline

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Course
CRWR 2204
Discontinued
No
Course code
CRWR 2204
Descriptive
Writing Young Adult Fiction
Department
Creative Writing
Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Credits
3.00
Start date
End term
Not Specified
PLAR
No
Semester length
15 Weeks
Max class size
20
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Contact hours

Tutorial: 4 hours/week

Method(s) of instruction
Tutorial
Learning activities

In this course, students engage in a variety of learning activities such as lectures, group discussions and group work, craft analysis, in-class and self-directed writing, and peer-to-peer workshopping.

Course description
This course focuses on writing Young Adult (YA) fiction, comprised of speculative, realism, romance, and a range of sub-genres. It includes instruction in the use of compositional elements such as imagery, point-of-view, characterization, setting, conflict, plot, and structure, as they relate to YA fiction. This course will introduce students to a range of published fiction samples—both short fiction and novel chapters—and craft approaches specific to YA genres. Verbal participation is key to this course, as there will be an emphasis on discussing peer student writing in the workshop.
Course content
  • Students’ writing will form the bulk of the course content  
  • Published texts, including short stories and novel chapters, selected by the instructor
Learning outcomes

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

  • Recognize different genres, styles within, and approaches to YA fiction;
  • Identify the major craft elements in works of published YA fiction, and apply these craft elements to their own writing;
  • Learn about the key conventions that are used in YA fiction, while also learning how to avoid imitation or cliché;
  • Develop a self-directed writing practice that is consistent with the production of quality written work;
  • Produce well-crafted YA fiction, with a focus on character development, character-driven conflict, and narrative structure;
  • Develop skills to productively give and receive feedback in the workshop;
  • Articulate notable craft choices made by their peers, and be able to suggest possible opportunities for peers to edit or strengthen their writing.
Means of assessment

Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy.

Students are evaluated on the basis of three assignments submitted to the instructor and/or for class discussion in the workshop. These assignments may include a character study or portrait, a short story, and an opening chapter and synopsis of a novel, all of which will count for a minimum of 65% of the course grade. Other evaluations will include class participation, in-class writing, self-evaluation of and verbal and written feedback during in the workshop. Students will be provided with clear assignment guidelines, marking rubrics, workshop feedback forms, and will be encouraged to meet with their instructor for one-to-one and/or small group craft tutorials.

Textbook materials

The instructor will create a list of published texts that have been made publicly available online, with clear citations of all authors and publishers. 

Prerequisites

CRWR 1103 with a minimum grade of B