This course will explore the rich tradition of fantasy literature for children, from the origins of the genre (fables, fairy-tales, and adapted adult texts) to the classic texts of the first (mid-19th century to WWI) and second (mid-20th century) "Golden Ages" of children's literature, all the way to the vibrant and diverse children's and YA fantasies of the 21st century.

10 x 2hr seminars/workshops (one a week for ten weeks)

None

None

The standard assessments for this course are: 

■ 10-minute presentation, accompanied by submitted outline and handout/slides (20%) 

■ Final Assignment, 4000 words (80%) which can take the form of:  

o Essay (4,000 words) 

OR 

o Creative piece (2,500 words) and critical reflection (1,500 words) 

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

■ Recorded presentation or one-to-one presentation / discussion/Q&A with staff (where presentation would normally be in class) as alternative to the presentation.

■ There are no alternatives to the final assignment, 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.  

It is the default expectation that all courses will offer opportunities for reassessment or deferred assessment. Where it is not possible to offer this in some assessment components, the grade achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade, and any exceptions for this course are described below.

[No exceptions]

This course aims to:

■ Explore the origins and evolution of children's fantasy literature in its different forms (novels, tales, poetry, picturebooks, etc.)

■ Examine current debates in children's fantasy literature, focusing on power, ideology, identity, and diversity

■ Consider the constructions of childhood fantasy literature offers, and the changing value placed upon didacticism vs. entertainment and the imagination

■ Contest the boundaries between fantasy literature for adults and children

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

■ Analyse (in writing and orally) in sophisticated ways the constructions of childhood offered by children's fantasy literature

■ Critically evaluate (in writing and orally) the cultural and historical contexts of children's fantasy literature, based on a broad and deep understanding of the field

■ Conduct advanced critical and/or creative work that responds to theoretical frameworks and current critical debates in children's fantasy literature

■ Interrogate the boundaries between fantasy literature for children, young adults, and adults