anonymous, Beowulf
Lord Dunsany, The King of Elfland's Daughter
Neil Gaiman, American Gods
Elizabeth Haydon, Rhapsody
Guy Gavriel Kay, The Lion of Al-Rassan
Terry Pratchett, Witches Abroad
J. R. R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings

Course Philosophy:

We will approach the texts with regard to two central critical principles. The first is Kurt Ranke's concept of ontological archetypes -- the idea that certain genres recur regularly because they satisfy fundamental human needs. The second is Mikhail Bakhtin's concept of the dialogic -- the idea that certain works of literature can be understood as continuing a dialog with previously composed texts.

Grading:

Termpaper #1(due 2/27) -- 15% -- a paper of approximately 5 typed pages on an appropriate topic of your choice. Your paper will be posted temporarily on this website (with a nom de plume) in order to garner . . .
Responses #1 (due 3/13) -- 10% -- three responses of approximately 1 typed page each to any three of the termpapers.

Termpaper #2 (due 4/2 -- 15% -- a paper of approximately 5 typed pages on an appropriate topic of your choice. Your paper will be posted temporarily on this website (under a nom de plume, if you wish) in order to garner . . .
Responses #2 (due 4/16) -- 10% -- three responses of approximately 1 typed page each to any three of the termpapers.

Oral Presentation (beginning 4/26) -- 20% -- in-class presentation lasting no longer than 8 minutes (and I will cut you off), based on . . .
Final Termpaper (due at beginning of final exam period, 8 am, Friday, May 14) -- 30% -- a paper of approximately 10 typed pages that addresses critically some work of fantasy other than those we read in class.

Course Policies:

Late Work: I will accept late papers, but will deduct one letter grade unless there are compelling extenuating circumstances. The same applies to the oral presentations.

Readings: The following schedule is approximate.