Proseminar Introduction to Fantasy Literature

The academic study of fantasy literature is still a relatively young field. Among scholars of literature, the best known study likely remains Tzvetan Todorov’s The Fantastic: A Structural Approach to a Literary Genre (1973). However, this text is not aimed at what most authors, readers and theorists mean when talking about fantasy today. There are three main bodies of study we will draw from. The first one is Ann Swinfen’s In Defence of Fantasy: A Study of the the Genre in English and American Literature since 1945 (1984). This text treats a variety of topics which are crucial to understanding the texts we will read, including, for instance, the philosophical and religious bases of fantasy as well as its social and political uses. The other two are Brian Attebery’s Strategies of Fantasy (1992), which, among other topics, offers a good explanation of narrative and character conventions of the genre as well as attempting to define the genre itself. John Clute’s and John Grant’s Encyclopedia of Fantasy (1997), on the other hand, not only gives an overview of important works and authors but also offers a critical vocabulary aimed at the academic study of fantasy literature. In this seminar we will attempt determine the common characteristics, conventions and notable themes of the genre while also looking at known approaches from contemporary literary theory, supplying participants with the necessary terms and concepts to engage in the critical study of fantasy literature. Adams, Richard. Watership Down. Le Guin, Ursula K. The Tombs of Atuan. Martin, George R. R. A Game of Thrones. Voraussetzungen An interest in fantasy literature and its academic study. Being acquainted with some of the more familiar works of fantasy, such as the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings series, is helpful but not necessary. You must have read the chapter -Fantasy as Mode, Genre, Formula” from Brian Attebery’s Strategies of Fantasy, available as master copy on the reserve shelf, as well as Richard Adams’ Watership Down. If there are more than 25 students, there will be a quiz to check up on this. It is mandatory that you turn up for the first meeting, no exceptions. Leistungsnachweis Regular and active participation as well as an oral report or similar (depending on the number of participants) are required for obtaining credits in this class. Research papers should be 10-15 pages in length, depending on your Modulprüfungsordnung. FB 02 Institut für Anglistik / Amerikanistik An interest in fantasy literature and its academic study. Being acquainted with some of the more familiar works of fantasy, such as the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings series, is helpful but not necessary. You must have read the chapter -Fantasy as Mode, Genre, Formula” from Brian Attebery’s Strategies of Fantasy, available as master copy on the reserve shelf, as well as Richard Adams’ Watership Down. If there are more than 25 students, there will be a quiz to check up on this. It is mandatory that you turn up for the first meeting, no exceptions. Regular and active participation as well as an oral report or similar (depending on the number of participants) are required for obtaining credits in this class. Research papers should be 10-15 pages in length, depending on your Modulprüfungsordnung. Uni Kassel SoSe 2013 Amerikanistik English and American Culture and Business Studies Sezi Murat