Contemporary Fantasy Fiction, 7.5 credits

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to

• identify and discuss some central themes, narrative techniques, and genre characteristics in fantasy (literature, film, and tv-series),
• critically discuss works of fantasy from perspectives of gender, ethnicity, class and (dis)ability, and
• critically reflect on the relation between the fantasy genre and contemporary society and its challenges.

Content

Today, fantasy is a rich and complex genre present in different media, as well as a genre that is becoming increasingly inclusive and thereby challenging for some groups of readers. In this course, we explore works of fantasy, for instance steampunk and urban fantasy, published in the 21st century that push at the boundaries of the genre and include more diverse concerns and characters than much classical fantasy. While the focus is on literature, we will also work with film and tv-series. We close read the narratives as well as work with genre conventions and the relation between fantasy and contemporary society.

Examinations and grades

Contemporary Fantasy Fiction, 7.5 credits (Code: A001)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may determine which grading system is to be used. The grade must be determined by a teacher specifically nominated by the university (the examiner).

In accordance with university regulations on grading systems for first and second-cycle courses and study programmes (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades is to be used: fail (U), pass (G) or pass with distinction (VG). For courses included in an international master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the A to F grading scale is to be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by them, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds for doing so.

The grades used on this course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Modes of assessment

Contemporary Fantasy Fiction, 7.5 credits (Code: A001)
Written examination.

Comments on modes of assessment
Examination deadline
An examination shall be carried out at the time decided by the university. If an examination, which involves that the student can do the assignment in another place than in the university's premises (for example take-home examination), can not be submitted on time, the examiner decides how the examination shall be handled.

Supplementary assignments for a passing grade
The examiner may decide that a student who has not received a passing grade on the examination may submit supplementary assignments instead of taking a re-examination. Supplementary assignments must be carried out according to the teacher’s instructions and submitted to the teacher within one week after the student is notified of the failing grade.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other modes of assessment.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations.

Specific entry requirements

General entry requirements + English 6.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations.

Other provisions

Language of instruction
Teaching is conducted in English and the examinations are conducted in English.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Reading list and other learning resources

Required Reading

Attebery, Brian (2022)*
Fantasy: How It Works
Oxford: Oxford University Press

Reference literature

The Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, (2008)

Additions and Comments on the Reading List

3-4 of the works listed below are read in accordance with instructions from the teacher:

Aaronovitch, Ben.
Midnight Riot.

Cho, Zen.
Sorcerer to the Crown.

Hopkinson, Nalo.
Midnight Robber.

Jemisin, N.K.
The Killing Moon.

Liu, Ken.
The Grace of Kings.

Mieville, China.
Perdido Street Station.

Okorafor, Nnedi.
Who Fears Death.

Roanhorse, Rebecca.
Trail of Lightning.

Shawl, Nisi.
Everfair.

Solomon, Rivers.
The Deep.

Wilson, Kay Ashante
A Taste of Honey

Additional reading: short stories and articles of ca 100-150 pages.

Additional teaching materials in accordance with instructions from the teacher: 1-2 movies and parts of 1-2 tv-series.

*Selected parts.