Program Overview

Archaeological and Historical Fantasy: From Boudicca to the Bard

Course Overview

This module is an introduction to the interplay between history, archaeology, and the genres of historical fantasy writing. The course will examine how fantastic worlds integrate historical sources and archaeological research into fantasy, and how this interplay shapes our attitudes to what is real and what is not.

Course Details

• Duration: 9 weekly meetings
• Tutor: Dr Juliette Wood
• Course code: ARC20A5400A
• Fee: £225
• Concessionary fee: £180
• Location: 50-51 Park Place, Cathays, Cardiff, CF10 3AT

Learning and Teaching

The module will be delivered through nine 2-hour sessions, made up of lectures, class discussions, small group work, and debates. Class sessions will be supplemented by resources available to students via Learning Central. Topics to be discussed include:

• The use of 'Dark Age' European culture in fantasy and history writing
• The creation of Boudicca as national heroine
• Shakespearean history and the Wars of the Roses
• Archaeology as a source for fantasy writing
• The Celtic world in fantasy
• Gender in fantasy and historical novel writing
• The geography of fantastic worlds
• Games, books, and cosplay events - commodification of fantasy worlds
• A visit to Special Collections and Archives will give students the opportunity to examine material related to this course

Coursework and Assessment

This module will be assessed by two short assignments, comprising around 1500 words in total.

Reading Suggestions

Essential Reading: Fantasy and Historical-Fantasy

Students can choose from a selection of recommended fantasy and historical-fantasy novels, such as:

• Tolkien's Lord of the Rings
• George R.R. Martin's Game of Thrones
• Rosemary Sutcliff or Mary Stewart's Arthurian novels
• Andrej Sapkowski's The Witcher series
• Ursula le Guin's Earthsea Tetrology

Recommended Reading on Archaeological and Historical Fantasy

• Jane Chance and Alfred K. Siewers (eds), Tolkien's Modern Middle Ages
• Robert Tittler and Norman Jones (eds.), A Companion to Tudor Britain
• Micheal Alexander, Medievalism: The Middle Ages in Modern England
• Edward James and Farah Mendlesohn (eds), The Cambridge Companion to Fantasy Literature
• Robert Eaglestone (ed.), Reading the Lord of the Rings: New Writings on Tolkien's Classic
• Jacqueline Furby and Claire Hines
• Sarah L. Johnson, Historical Fiction: A guide to the genre

Accessibility

The university aims to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long-term medical condition, disability, or specific learning difficulty. Support includes one-to-one advice, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment, and dyslexia screening.