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 at UiO must apply for courses in StudentWeb.

International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.

The minimum number of attendants for the course is 5, the maximum 15.

The examination in this course is not available for external candidates. Only students admitted to the course may sit for the examination.

Prerequisites

Formal prerequisite knowledge

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

Examination support material

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

You may request an explanation of your grades, and you may also appeal against your grades or make a complaint about formal examination errors. Read more about explanations and appeals.

Resit an examination

You can usually resit an exam, but the conditions depend on whether you had a valid reason for absence from the regular exam. Read more about resitting an exam.

Withdrawal from an examination

A term paper or equivalent that is passed may not be resubmitted in revised form.

Special examination arrangements

If you have a disability or a health problem that entails significant inconvenience in an examination situation, you may be considered for special examination arrangements. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.

Evaluation