Overview

‘Other Worlds’ investigates literature that engages in world building. The module considers texts explicitly set in a world not our own, or in which characters move from our world to another. Students study how writers from different periods and cultures construct these other worlds. Questions considered will include: how does the ‘other’ world shed light on the ‘real’ world in which the text is produced? How do a range of genres – including dream texts, fantasy, gothic, sci-fi, and young adult fiction - lend themselves to the task of creating other worlds, and to what end? How do these genres challenge the traditional bourgeois novel? ‘Other Worlds’ emerges from the contemporary boom in fantasy, sci-fi and YA literature, and places it within a much longer context that goes back to the medieval period.

The module's syllabus will be updated each year, but students can expect to read English-language literature from across the world which covers some of the following themes:

• fantasy
• young adult
• mental health
• gender and sexuality
• environmental crisis
• war
• social and political change

Writers studied may vary from year to year, but are likely to include: Neil Gaiman, N.K. Jemisin, J.R.R. Tolkien, Suzanne Collins, Henry Neville , Sarah Scott, Edgar Allan Poe, Susannah Clark.

Assessment Strategy

50-59% A Pass (C) candidate’s work will show many of the following qualities: •A satisfactory level of knowledge, analysis and expression. •Some familiarity with, and understanding of, relevant theoretical issues. •Generally sound organisation of argument, with some critical ability. •Accurate expression. •Competent use of quotation and references.

60-69% A candidate’s work reaching Merit will show many of the following qualities: •An advanced level of factual knowledge. •Significant [substantial] knowledge of relevant theories and types of analysis. •Some evidence of original thought. •The ability to organise and argue effectively, make balanced judgements, and demonstrate critical thought. •Fluent and accurate expression. •Competent use of quotation and references.

70% and above Typically, the work of a candidate reaching Distinction will show many of the following qualities: •Thorough knowledge and understanding of relevant theories and types of analysis. •Thorough knowledge of a range of sources and the capacity to engage these critically. •Introduction and discussion of original ideas. •Relevant, well-organised and sophisticated argument. •High ratio of analysis to exposition. •Maturity, clarity and cogency of expression. •Excellent handling of quotation and references.

Learning Outcomes

• Appraise the long and complex history, as well as the intertextuality, of texts that engage in building other worlds.

• Assess the ways in which English-language-texts from around the world engage in world-building.

• Critically compare the ways in which literary texts construct 'other worlds', and ways in which these worlds encourage readers to reflect critically on their own contemporary worlds.

• Interpret and evaluate key tropes, themes and practices in genres most associated with 'other worlds' - notably dream texts, fantasy, gothic, sci-fi, and young adult fiction - making use of relevant secondary reading.