Core Module Information
Module title: Fantasy Fiction and Film

SCQF level: 08:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: CLP08122
Module leader: Emily Alder
School School of Arts and Creative Industries
Subject area group: Media and Humanities
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

Description of module content:

The module is about the development of the fantasy genre. A number of identifiable genre conventions govern the characters, tropes, and narratives of fantasy texts. You will explore where these genre conventions come from, and how they operate within specific fantasy texts; the module begins with fantasy's origins in myths and fairy-tales, before moving on to fantasy texts from the nineteenth century up to the present day to examine the legacy of early fantastic stories in modern fiction and film.You will consider how fantasy writers and filmmakers respond to existing genre conventions and to the works of fantasy that preceded their own, asking how far it is possible to resist or subvert the familiar trappings of the fantasy genre. You will examine different strategies used by fantasy texts in response to the expectations of genre conventions, explore how fantasy reflects, shapes, and interrogates culture, and analyse the contributions of specific texts' medium and form to how they do so.You will examine the contributions made by visual elements of media like film, television, and graphic novels to a text's handling of genre conventions and intertextuality, and reflect on why fantasy remains so popular, considering reasons for the continued appeal of this mode of storytelling to readers and viewers. You will therefore explore theories of genre, intertextuality, affect, and entertainment, and consider the value of pleasure and enjoyment in the experience of reading and watching fantasy tales.Standard assessment will apply unless reasonable adjustments are required based on learning profiles or as a result of discussion with your module leader, in which cases an alternative assessment is available.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Demonstrate knowledge of the history and development of fantasy traditions and their recurring genre tropes.

LO2: Show secure understanding of how fantasy texts interact intertextually and with their historical and cultural contexts.

LO3: Demonstrate awareness and understanding of critical and theoretical approaches to the interpretation of fantasy.

LO4: Analyse the literary, cinematic, and/or visual techniques used in specific fantasy texts and discuss their purposes or effects.

LO5: Demonstrate your own learning process and engage in self-reflection on it.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2026/7, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Emily Alder
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 20 The weekly lecture time is spent examining the primary literary texts and films, and offering critical frameworks for their analysis including key features of fantasy narratives, the history and development of the genre, cultural contexts, and scholarly approaches. These sessions are interactive and will help provide you with core information and skills for preparing your assessments.
Face To Face Tutorial 10 In the weekly tutorial time, you will consolidate and deepen your learning about the module texts and the fantasy genre. You will practice close reading of the texts, application of critical frameworks, and engage in discussion with your peers including in pairs and small groups. Learning activities will support you in preparing for your assessments.
Online Guided independent study 170 Most of the credit-bearing hours for this module are spent in guided independent study. With the support of assigned reading materials, Moodle study resources, a weekly syllabus, and study skills taught during contact hours, you will manage your independent study time to complete assigned readings and viewings for each week in advance of classes, make notes and annotate texts, do additional recommended reading and research, and plan and produce assessments. Week 7 will be a reading week where no scheduled teaching will take place but it is expected that you will use this time to reflect on and consolidate your learning to date.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Portfolio 20 1~4 Week 6 , WORDS= 800 words For this assessment you will write two short close readings of passages or scenes from the module set texts (400 words each, worth 20% of the module grade). In each close reading, you will analyse how the passage represents a fantasy trope or device, using techniques of written language or cinema, in context of the novel or film’s overall story. This assessment is designed to be inclusive and supportive by allowing you to work with either written or visual examples, supported by practice and opportunities for formative feedback in class.
Portfolio 60 1~2~3~4 Week 14 , WORDS= 2100 For the second part of your portfolio (worth 60% of the module grade), you will produce three mini-essays of 700 words each about module set texts. This assessment is designed to be inclusive and supportive through the structure of a portfolio, by offering you options to include creative writing and video essay formats alongside at least one written mini-essay, and by building on the practice and feedback you had on the first part of the portfolio.If you need any further assessment accommodations documented in a learning profile please discuss them with your module leader.
Portfolio 20 1~2~3~4~5 Week 14 , WORDS= 8 items Alongside your portfolio you will submit a ‘processfolio’ worth 20% of the module grade. This inclusive assessment instrument lets you reflect on your own personal learning process during the module and choose what evidence to present. The processfolio contains 8 different items (anything - e.g. a film you watched, a class activity, a discarded draft, a journal article, a piece of assessment feedback, a conversation, and many more). You will submit a picture or detailed description of each item and an explanation (in writing, or spoken voice recording) of how it helped you learn and produce your portfolio close-readings and mini-essays.
Component 1 subtotal: 80
Component 2 subtotal: 20
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
CLP08122: Fantasy Fiction & Film