Overview

The module will begin with an introduction to theoretical approaches to fantastic literatures, and will then move on to exploring different linguistic and literary traditions, such as Francophone (such as science fiction in Franco-Belgian bande dessinée), Hispanophone (such as Latin American magic realism), and Germanophone (such as Franz Kafka and Alfred Kubin). This part of the module will be taught alongside LXE2025.

A series of workshops will run in parallel, during which students will develop their own writing of the fantastic. These will be for QXP3025 only.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -A 3rd class candidate’s work will show many of the following features:Limited engagement with ideas.Link between themes and form not always clear.Limited sense of formal conventions. Inconsistent with regard to linguistic technicalities.Limited awareness of redrafting and editing process.

-good -A 2(i) candidate’s work will show many of the following qualities:Demonstration of a degree of vitality and originality.Very good understanding of generic conventions; sound use of structures and forms.Resourceful use of language.Sound understanding of the creative process and thoughtful control of decisions made in writing.Very good work, which at times comes close to publishable standard.

-excellent -Typically, the work of a first class candidate will show many of the following qualities:Excellent levels of originality, vision and depth; striking and thorough engagement with ideas.Excellent understanding and control of form.Impressive linguistic control and/or innovation.Sophisticated understanding of the creative process and assured control of decisions made in writing.Dynamic work approaching publishable standard.

-another level-A 2(ii) candidate’s work will show many of the following qualities:Some attempt at serious exploration of ideas.Some link between themes and form. Good attempt to engage with form, but this may not be entirely sustained.Use of language technically proficient, but not always focused.Some awareness of the creative process and of decisions made in writing.Good work, but its strengths need to be more fully sustained to reach publishable standard.

Learning Outcomes

• To be able to critically evaluate fantastic literary texts

• To become aware of the different expressions of the fantastic in a variety of linguistic and literary traditions

• To create new and original fantastic texts in a widely informed literary context.

• To develop an understanding of the different genres of fantastic literatures