A unique and exciting introduction to the genre and craft of historical fiction, for curious students, aspiring authors--anyone with a passion for the past. Read classics of the genre, encounter bestselling writers of historical fiction, and discover your own historical archive while interacting with a global community of interested readers.
Plagues, Witches, and War: The Worlds of Historical Fiction
Instructor: Bruce Holsinger
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(600 reviews)
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There are 12 modules in this course
In this module Professor Holsinger poses a working definition of historical fiction and sets expectations for the course content and assignments.
What's included
2 videos2 readings
In this module Professor Holsinger details the history of the historical fiction novel through the 18th and 19th centuries.
What's included
6 videos1 assignment
In this module author and professor Jane Alison interacts with the seminar class students of Professor Holsinger’s at UVa to discuss her experience writing “The Love Artist.”
What's included
4 videos
This module reviews the history of historical fiction looking at major works and authors from the 18th and 19th century including The Leatherstocking Tales, William Wells Brown, and Charles Dickens.
What's included
4 videos1 assignment
This module dives into the works of Anna Katharine Green and Professor Holsinger provides an overview of the forces that are effecting the craft of historical fiction.
What's included
5 videos1 assignment
In this module author Katherine Howe interacts with the seminar class students of Professor Holsinger’s Historical Fiction class to discuss her book “Deliverance Dane.”
What's included
4 videos
In this module author Geraldine Brooks interacts with the seminar class students of Professor Holsinger’s Historical Fiction class to discuss her book “Year of Wonders.”
What's included
4 videos
In this module author Mary Beth Keane interacts with the seminar class students of Professor Holsinger’s Historical Fiction class to discuss her book “Fever.”
What's included
4 videos
In this module author Yangsze Choo interacts with the seminar class students of Professor Holsinger’s Historical Fiction class to discuss her book “The Ghost Bride.”
What's included
4 videos
This module consists of a series of interviews with authors and Professor Holsinger. Authors include: Michael McKeon, Eva Stachniak, David Robbins, Matthew Pearl and Andrew Taylor.
What's included
5 videos
This module has the two voluntary assignments for the course: Identifying a Historical Archive and Writing Historical Fiction. The module also contains the closing remarks video of Professor Holsinger.
What's included
1 video1 reading2 peer reviews
This module includes the course readings, a list of archival resources, and an overview of the authors included in the course.
What's included
3 readings
Instructor
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Recommended if you're interested in History
Emory University
Wesleyan University
University of Colorado Boulder
The Pennsylvania State University
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Reviewed on Mar 22, 2021
I learned so very much in this course. The seminars with authors are a highlight and book recommendations are great if you like the genre.
Reviewed on Apr 29, 2023
I loved listening to all of the experienced authors but I wish there were assignments to go with the videos, or at least a test at the end of each week.
Reviewed on Jan 20, 2021
This course was much longer than I anticipated, but is overall filled with great information about historical fiction and I learned a lot.
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