ENG4321 – Fantasy Literature
Course content
This course analyzes six novels covering the last 200 years of the development of the English fantasy novel. The course will focus on the analysis of the fantasy novel as a separate genre; what are its characteristics and in what ways does it differ from other genres or subgenres? What critical criteria and what analytical tools are relevant and useful in our attempt to evaluate and understand these epics? The seminar will also attempt to find out why (some) works within this genre are so popular today.
Learning outcome
After completing this course you will have:
- acquired a good general knowledge of the genre and of the world of fantasy literature and be trained in identifying motifs and ideas that may help to define fantasy literature as a genre.
- developed skills in analyzing texts, structures and narrative techniques.
- learned to understand texts in relation to the social, political and cultural context in which they have been written.
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
The minimum number of attendants for the course is 5, the maximum 15.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
No obligatory prerequisites beyond the minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway.
Teaching
Seminar, two hours per week for 10 weeks, 20 hours in all.
Attendance is an obligatory class requirement (80%). Additional absences must be justified by documentation to the exam coordinator. Read more about guidelines for compulsory activities.
All students must give at least one oral presentation (pass/fail) on a given topic to be able to take the exam.
Access to teaching
A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.
Examination
The exam consists of a term paper of 10 standard pages.
You must hand in your paper in Fronter. Read more about submission procedures
Language of examination
English
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
The results can be found at the StudentWeb within three weeks of the completed exam.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Withdrawal from an examination
A term paper or equivalent that is passed may not be resubmitted in revised form.
If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.