The unique powers of genre fiction to explore the light and shadow, the real, the unreal, and the not yet real, of modern life will be approached through three key figures: the magician in fantasy, the robot in science fiction, and the uncanny in horror. This course explores the power of genre fiction to make readers confront their deepest fears, and to acknowledge impossible aspirations. It also attends to the politics of genre fiction, showing how recent writers have supplemented or resisted some of the conventions of their chosen genre, particular as regards portrayals of gender and race.
Readings
TBA
Assessment
- Tutorial participation (10%)
- Weekly Reading Responses (20%)
- Analytical paragraphs (20%)
- Response portfolio (20%)
- Final examination (30%)
**Assessments subject to change**
