ENGL 291-002 --Topics: Urban Fantasy Call #12407
Danvers M-F 10:30-12:20 July 13-August 11
While most fantasy is set in an idealized past or in an alternative non-technological
world, this sub-genre of fantasy takes place in a recognizably modern world with
fantastic elements. This course will explore how the fantastic functions in such works
and their place in the fantastic tradition. Written work includes short response papers
to each of the novels, a critical review of a fantasy film, and a final exam. We will read
the following novels: Neil Gaiman, Neverwhere; Tim Powers, Expiration Date; China
Miéville, Perdido Street Station; Jonathan Carroll, The Wooden Sea; Sean Stewart,
Perfect Circle. Possible films include The Rapture (1991), Being John Malkovich
(1999), Edward Scissorhands (1990), Groundhog Day (1993).