Writing the Fantastic: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror

Writing the Fantastic: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror is an Interdisciplinary Arts course taught by David Durham.

This course satisfies Division I requirements. This course requires prerequisites.

Course Description
Robert A. Heinlein is credited for coining the term "Speculative Fiction." He wanted to distinguish his serious science fiction from the lighter fare the genre was most noted for. The term has been debated ever since, but I?d argue it defines literary works that prominently feature fantastic elements. This course will explore the concept through the reading and writing of quality genre fiction. We?ll read speculative works in a variety of sub-genres. Students will respond to the texts by writing short fictional pieces. Later, each student will focus on a longer story in the genre of their choosing. Authors may include: Margaret Atwood, Paolo Bacigalupi, Elizabeth Bear, Aimee Bender, Octavia Butler, Michael Chabon, Ted Chiang, Neal Gaiman, Joe Hill, Jay Lake, Kelly Link, James Patrick Kelly, Stephen King, George RR Martin, Cherie Priest, Dan Simmons, John Scalzi, SM Stirling. Prerequisite: At least one fiction writing course.

Learning Goals

 * Expressive
 * Presenting
 * Reading
 * Writing