Overview
An examination of fantasy literature, from Beowulf to Harry Potter, and the interaction between the literary and the visual, by way of illustrations, dust jackets, stage-plays, videogames, TV and movies.
This paper will focus on the tradition of fantasy stories, from the highly-wrought worlds of epic fantasy, centred around Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings',and shorter tales of the mythical and marvellous. Key issues will include adaptation, oral and literary narrative, portal quest vs. immersive fantasy, and childhood and the imagination.
About this paper
| Paper title | Fantasy and the Imagination |
|---|---|
| Subject | English |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Summer School (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $981.75 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- One 100-level ENGL paper (Excluding ENGL 126) or 36 points
- Restriction
- ENGL 323
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music
- Contact
- paul.tankard@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
- View more information on the Department of English and Linguistics website
- Teaching staff
- Paper Structure
This paper is taught in four 1-hour lectures each week and two 1-hour tutorials each week for six weeks.
- Textbooks
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, J.K. Rowling (any edition).
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, J.K. Rowling (any edition).
The Fairy Tales of Charles Perrault [1697], [trans.] Angela Carter (1977), intro. Jack Zipes (Penguin, 2002).
OR
The Complete Fairy Tales, Perrault, Charles, Oxford World's Classics Oxford University Press (2010).George MacDonald, At the Back of the North Wind, illus. Arthur Hughes (1871). Everyman's Library Children's Classics.
Ursula Le Guin, A Wizard of Earthsea.
J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings 3. vols, (1954-55) HarperCollins single-vol. paperback preferred. Not a trilogy, but one long novel, to be read in its entirety. Recommended, on account of its length, that you read this first.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Information Literacy, Critical Thinking, Global Perspective, Communication, Scholarship, Self-Motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
- As a result of this paper, students will achieve the following outcomes:
- Gain familiarity with international scholarship on fantasy literature, especially the historical roots of the genre. In-depth Knowledge and Global Perspective
- Develop the ability to analyse fantasy literature logically, to challenge conventional assumptions and to consider different options and viewpoints. Information Literacy and Critical Thinking
- Develop the ability to communicate information, arguments and analyses effectively, both orally and in writing. Communication
- Develop the ability to conduct research by recognising when information is needed and by locating, retrieving, evaluating and using it effectively. Scholarship
- Develop the capacity for self-directed activity and the ability to work independently. Self-Motivation
Timetable
Overview
An examination of fantasy literature, from Beowulf to Harry Potter, and the interaction between the literary and the visual, by way of illustrations, dust jackets, stage-plays, videogames, TV and movies.
This paper will focus on the tradition of fantasy stories, from the highly-wrought worlds of epic fantasy, centred around Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings',and shorter tales of the mythical and marvellous. Key issues will include adaptation, oral and literary narrative, portal quest vs. immersive fantasy, and childhood and the imagination.
About this paper
| Paper title | Fantasy and the Imagination |
|---|---|
| Subject | English |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Not offered in 2025 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2025 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- One 100-level ENGL paper (Excluding ENGL 126) or 36 points
- Restriction
- ENGL 323
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music
- Contact
- paul.tankard@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
- View more information on the Department of English and Linguistics website
- Teaching staff
- Paper Structure
This paper is taught in four 1-hour lectures each week and two 1-hour tutorials each week for six weeks.
- Textbooks
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, J.K. Rowling (any edition).
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, J.K. Rowling (any edition).
The Fairy Tales of Charles Perrault [1697], [trans.] Angela Carter (1977), intro. Jack Zipes (Penguin, 2002).
OR
The Complete Fairy Tales, Perrault, Charles, Oxford World's Classics Oxford University Press (2010).George MacDonald, At the Back of the North Wind, illus. Arthur Hughes (1871). Everyman's Library Children's Classics.
Ursula Le Guin, A Wizard of Earthsea.
J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings 3. vols, (1954-55) HarperCollins single-vol. paperback preferred. Not a trilogy, but one long novel, to be read in its entirety. Recommended, on account of its length, that you read this first.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Information Literacy, Critical Thinking, Global Perspective, Communication, Scholarship, Self-Motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
- As a result of this paper, students will achieve the following outcomes:
- Gain familiarity with international scholarship on fantasy literature, especially the historical roots of the genre. In-depth Knowledge and Global Perspective
- Develop the ability to analyse fantasy literature logically, to challenge conventional assumptions and to consider different options and viewpoints. Information Literacy and Critical Thinking
- Develop the ability to communicate information, arguments and analyses effectively, both orally and in writing. Communication
- Develop the ability to conduct research by recognising when information is needed and by locating, retrieving, evaluating and using it effectively. Scholarship
- Develop the capacity for self-directed activity and the ability to work independently. Self-Motivation