This course will investigate the origins, evolution and contesting definitions and parameters of the genre of young adult literature (aka adolescent literature, juvenile literature.) We will examine issues relevant to the writing, reading and marketing of young adult literature, including censorship, ethnicity, gender and sexuality. We will also observe contemporary young adult culture found in other forms of media. Potential readings will include S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders, Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, and Stephanie Meyer's Twilight.