Write an argumentative essay in which you argue for the validity of one young adult novel in the broader literary tradition. In other words, make the case that a YA novel of your choice is worthy to be studied as a piece of literature. Why would young adult readers benefit from reading this novel? What does the novel convey about social, cultural, and/or historical issues?
You may choose any young adult novel you like, whether it be one we read in this course or one you have read on your own. Or, consider choosing a book from the banned YA books lists on the American Library Association website.
I have chosen My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh. I have attached my draft with annotations, as the draft was not adequate completely.
The purpose of this assignment is to assess your ability to meet the core learning outcomes for this course, which include the following:
- Discuss and analyze a variety of contemporary and classic works in young adult literature.
- Identify and explain the key features of young adult literature.
- Produce a critical analysis of a young adult text articulating its effectiveness and worth as a literary text.
- Consider future engagement with the young adult literature genre, whether students are teachers, writers, parents, or avid readers.
- Close textual analysis will serve as a major source of evidence. In supporting your argument, you will need to point to specific passages from the novel.
- Use peer-reviewed academic journal articles to place your argument in conversation with others who have written about young adult literature. It’s fine if you can’t find articles that speak directly to the novel you chose. Instead, consider looking for articles on similar novels or novels that have similar themes or characters. Incorporate at least 3 peer-reviewed academic journal articles in your essay.
- Avoid summarizing the entire book in your essay. You may need to briefly summarize certain plot points or give your audience a basic summary of the book but avoid summarizing as much as possible. Generally speaking, any reference to the novel should support your analysis.
Here are the technical requirements for the final draft; modified requirements for the first draft may be found in the Core Assessment Draft Rubric:
- The essay should consist of between 2,000 and 3,000 words (not counting the Works Cited page, title, heading, etc.).
- Both drafts must be submitted as Microsoft Word documents, using 12-point Times New Roman or 11-point Calibri font, double-spaced, with page numbers.
- The essay should quote from or reference the novel AND AT LEAST THREE scholarly secondary sources.
- The essay must follow all MLA guidelines pertaining to proper use and citation of sources.
- The essay should contain an interesting and relevant title.