Identifying Humanity Through Narrative: A Pedagogical Approach to Young Adult Literature

Ayla Wilder, Purdue University

Abstract

Young Adult (YA) literature is a subject that is often unclear. There is no clear definition to what YA literature is. However, most YA literature has several things in common. First, it includes characters between the ages of 12 and 25. Second, it fits into the publication genre of YA literature. Third, it features diverse characters experiencing themes surrounding identity. It is this theme of identity on which this essay focuses. Narrowed down to the subject of narrative identity, we look at how the events of someone’s life makes up their personality and the correlation between narrative identity and YA literature. Narrative identity can be seen within novels, and it is also impacted by the stories we read. The text Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kauffman is used to further examine this framework, alongside frameworks of posthumanism and technology. The ideas of technology, narrative identity, and YA literature are all combined in a representative assignment that is a podcast. This podcast assignment asks students to examine these intersections utilizing technology, and to use multimodality to communicate their findings. The essay concludes by discussing possible pitfalls, such as political climate, breadth of topics, and student preconceptions. However, it is concluded that YA is a vital part of literature and society that allows for an empathetic approach to how we interact with one another.

Degree

M.A.

Advisors

Pacheco, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Literature|Pedagogy|Web Studies

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