The primary focus of this course is critical reading and writing in relation to young adult literature. Students will read a wide variety of genres and write in a variety of modes (expressive, analytical, expository). The purposes of this course are (1) to strengthen students’ writing skills for various purposes and audiences, and (2) to raise awareness about the literary and interdisciplinary merits of young adult literature and its relevance in terms of the lives of young adults and the culture within which they live.