Kommentar |
For several decades following the publication of J.R.R. Tolkien’s momentous The Lord of the Rings, fantastic literature was predominantly associated with the so-called high fantasy, i.e. epic sagas set in alternative worlds of heroic romance. Fantastic literature, however, is far older – possible the oldest literature of all with realism as a late addition to the literary genres – and the term covers a huge variety of subgenres and formats. In this seminar we will read some theoretical texts and discuss the subgenres already indicated in the title: magic realism, urban fantasy, slipstream, and the new weird – the borders between the categories may, of course, occasionally be blurred. We will start with magic realism – Jeanette Winterson’s The Passion – and prospective participants may want to get hold of a copy and start reading. Further authors may include Neil Gaiman, China Miéville, Jeff VanderMeer, but also Terry Pratchett or Jasper Fforde. The syllabus will be discussed in the first session.
For MA students, this seminar is part of the module Categories and Conventions together with “Revenge is a dish best served cold”, and both classes have to be attended. |