Learning outcome

After successfully completing the course, the candidate will have achieved the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The candidate has / can:

• In-depth knowledge of established theories and theoretical developments in fantasy literature.
• A historical and literary overview of classic and more recent works in Norwegian and English children’s literature that include features drawn from the fantasy genre.
• Insight into narrative theory with particular emphasis on the reader’s role in fantasy literature.
• Formulate their own scholarly research questions concerning fantasy literature in teaching practice.

Skills

The candidate can:

• Apply theory of fantastic literature in the analysis of children’s literary works.
• Analyse a variety of children’s literary works with an eye for the fantastic and use theories of literary analysis.
• Participate in genre discussions about children’s literature
• Make teaching plans on fantasy literature for year 1-7 pupils that are grounded in the theory of literature didactics and fantasy genres.

General competence

The candidate has / can:

• An understanding of and can reflect upon the fantasy literature as a genre viewed in a historical and socio-critical perspective.
• Convey knowledge on the subject fantasy literature to various audiences, including colleagues / fellow students.

Course Description

This master’s course will discuss why and how fantasy literature, with its elements of the supernatural and magical universes, fascinates and captivates young readers. Fantasy literature for children often takes up topics such as identity, taboos, and morals, and the texts often touch on aspects of existence that are difficult to address more directly. The description of this literature as the “literature of subversions” is not without reason. This fantasy literature course discusses fundamental literary problems such as perceptions of reality, meaning-making and recognition.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The course includes lectures, seminars, student presentations, teaching practice assignments, and individual or group supervision. The course requires a high degree of effort on the part of the student, for instance, active participation in seminars and giving responses to the work of other students.

The student will complete a specialization assignment with a self-chosen question related to the course content.

Assessment Methods

The course includes two assignments which are specified in the semester plan.

The final assessment is a specialisation assignment that will assessed with a letter grade, counting for 60% of the course grade; and a 6-hour written examination, counting for 40% of the course grade.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean