Fantasy Fiction

 

Fantasy Fiction can be studied as a stand-alone course and it is an optional course for the Certificate of Higher Education in Creative Writing at Aberystwyth University.

Key Facts

 

Language: English

Duration: 10 Weeks

Number of Credits: 10

Tutor: Lara Clough 

Learning Method: Online

Level: This module is at CQFW Level 4

Module Code: XE11510

Fee: £130.00 - Fee Waiver Scheme available

This course is currently unavailable for booking

Be the first to know when new dates are announced by joining our mailing list.

 

Overview

Fantasy fiction allows us to enter immersive worlds where magical and supernatural elements prevail with strong characters and themes drawn from many traditions from ancient Greek myths, medieval chivalric themes, Gothic fiction to fairy-tales and ghost stories from around the world. 
 
This course will look briefly at influential historical texts such as The Odyssey, Beowulf and the Mabinogion, notable early authors such as George MacDonald, Hans Christian Anderson, E.Nesbit, Frank.L. Baum leading onto 20th century authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S.Lewis, Ursula.K.Le Guin, J.K.Rowling, Philip Pullman and Neil Gaiman. 
 
Many of these authors write books aimed at the Young Adult market (12+ years) but have universal appeal and make hugely successful films and TV. 
 
Various strategies and themes will be explored: building immersive, cohesive worlds, stories with ‘portals’ and ‘intrusions’ between the real and fantastical world, Hard magic, Soft magic, coming-of-age stories and stories which dip into horror. 
 
Building engaging and enduring characters, creating suspense and tension, and careful plotting will be explored.

Programme

Activities and tasks will be embedded into each unit so students can practise the techniques they have learned and develop their skills. Students will be encouraged to share their own work and participate in discussions on Blackboard. Alongside the learning materials on Blackboard the tutor will be on hand via email to answer any queries and provide guidance throughout the course. They will also participate in the online discussions.   

  • Unit 1 - A historical overview.
  • Unit 2 - Fairy-tales and fairies.
  • Unit 3 - Ghost stories, vampires, horror and Dark Fantasy.   
  • Unit 4 - Portals and ‘Intrusions’- how authors allow us to enter the fantasy world. 
  • Unit 5 - Richly detailed High/Epic fantasy.
  • Unit 6 - Developing your characters. 
  • Unit 7 - FINAL TEAMS WEBINAR: Bringing strands together- developing your ideas. 

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:  

  1. Evaluate and identify the history, and genre evolution of fantasy fiction and its themes.
  2. Analyse and evaluate a range of relevant genre writing and identify different features, themes and techniques.
  3. Apply and experiment with different sub-genres and their identifiable writing features and techniques.
  4. Critically reflect on their own creative output and respond sensitively and constructively to the output of others.

Assessments

  1. A fantasy short story of 1500 words or an extract from a longer piece of writing (70%)
  2. A critical, reflective portfolio of 500 words (30%) 

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course.

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements.

What Do I Need?

As this is an online course, you would need the following:

  • Internet access.
  • Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also be of benefit.
  • Use of the Chrome web-browser where possible.