We have now looked at several "definitions" of the group roughly bounded by the ages of tweleve through nineteen.
We have also considered what the definition of "definition" is, how definitions come about, who defines terms and for whom those terms are being defined.
Given this as a background, you are being asked to craft your own definition of either the word "teenager" or the word "adult", keeping in mind venue, context, auxiliary and peripheral definitions, and the socially constructed nature of these terms.
Other things you may also want to take into consideration:
While you are free to consult other sources (dictionaries, encyclopedias, your peers, your parents) I would like you to start thinking about these terms and those related to them from your own perspective as well.
The goal here is to be as suggestive and thoughtful as possible. Go beyond the literal. This may result initially ins messiness and confusion. This is just fine for your first draft. Subsequent revision will require you to hone your focus The larger objective for the assignment is for you to begin to think about the complex place of youth in our culture and our imagination (and perhaps begin to question how these places differ). While recognizing that the term you choose might be "slippery" in its meanings, also recognize the need to be as precise as possible with your own use of language (i.e. are there any terms you use in the course of defining your chose word that are themselves open to interpretation?).
Your paper should be 2-3 pages in length, formatted according to the guidelines on the syllabus.