Course Catalogue

Fantastic Texts and Where to Find Them: Approaching Fantasy Literature (Summer School) ENGLIT1012

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Critical Studies
  • Credits: 10
  • Level: Level 1 (SCQF level 7)
  • Typically Offered: Summer
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course will introduce you to fantasy and the fantastic, often defined as the "literature of the impossible". We will survey key texts across different media (e.g. J.R.R. Tolkien and Ursula K. Le Guin, as well as cinematic and TV fantasy), while exploring critical approaches and recent theoretical debates. You will also have an opportunity to try your hand at writing fantasy. The course will include two field trips.

Timetable

6 x 1-hour lectures

8 x 2-hour seminars

1 x 2-hour workshop

2 x day field trips

 

As scheduled over two weeks on MyCampus

Requirements of Entry

Applicants should have some background in University-level English Literature study, ideally successful completion of an introductory literature course.

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

The standard assessments for this course are: 

■ 5-minute video-recorded presentation, accompanied by written notes (25%)

■ 1,500-word essay (75%)

 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available: 

■ Audio presentation as alternative to video presentation.

■ There are no alternatives to the essay, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.  

Course Aims

This course aims to:

■ Explore a range of key texts of fantasy and fantastic in its different forms and media

■ Examine critical approaches to, and current debates in, fantasy and the fantastic

■ Consider fantasy texts within their cultural context

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Analyse (in writing and orally) main themes, structures and expectations of fantasy literature and the fantastic

■ Evaluate critically (in writing and orally) theoretical models and current critical approaches to fantasy and the fantastic

■ Analyse the ways works of fantasy are produced and received within their cultural and socio-historical contexts

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions