Plagues, Witches, and War: The Worlds of Historical Fiction

About this course: 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.

Created by:  University of Virginia

• Taught by:  Bruce Holsinger, Professor

  English

Commitment 10 hours of videos and assessments Language English How To Pass Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. User Ratings 4.5 stars Average User Rating 4.5See what learners said Coursework

Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.

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University of Virginia A premier institution of higher education, The University of Virginia offers outstanding academics, world-class faculty, and an inspiring, supportive environment. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University is guided by his vision of discovery, innovation, and development of the full potential of students from all walks of life. Through these courses, global learners have an opportunity to study with renowned scholars and thought leaders.

Syllabus


WEEK 1


Course Roadmap
In this module Professor Holsinger poses a working definition of historical fiction and sets expectations for the course content and assignments.


2 videos, 2 readings expand

1. Video: Professor Holsinger Provides an overview of "Plagues, Witches, and War"
2. Reading: How to Use Discussion Forums
3. Video: How to Get the Most out of this Course
4. Reading: Get to Know Your Classmates

WEEK 2


What is Historical Fiction?
In this module Professor Holsinger details the history of the historical fiction novel through the 18th and 19th centuries.


6 videos expand

1. Video: Defining the Genre
2. Video: The Pre-History of Historical Fiction
3. Video: From Archive to Novel
4. Video: Differentiating fiction and history in the 18th and 19th century
5. Video: A look at Sir Walter Scott and work of the 18th century
6. Video: The global reach of the historical fiction genre

Graded: What Is Historical Fiction?

WEEK 3


Poetry and Exile in Ancient Rome: Jane Alison
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.”


4 videos expand

1. Video: Introduction of Jane Alison
2. Video: Using characters to set the set the historical context
3. Video: An indepth look at the characters and story
4. Video: Some challenges in historical fiction writing

WEEK 4


Two Centuries of Historical Fiction
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.


4 videos expand

1. Video: Cooper's Leatherstocking Tales: Fiction on the Frontier
2. Video: Cooper's Leatherstocking Tales (continued)
3. Video: Brown's "Clotel": Slavery, Fiction, and a Founding Father
4. Video: Dickens and the French Revolution: "A Tale of Two Cities"

Graded: Two Centuries of Historical Fiction

WEEK 5


19th Century Historical Fiction
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.


5 videos expand

1. Video: Anna Katharine Green and the Invention of the Historical Mystery Pt. I
2. Video: Anna Katharine Green and the Invention of the Historical Mystery Pt. II
3. Video: Modernism, Metafiction, and the Mass Market, 1920-1980
4. Video: The New Historical Novel in Latin America Pt. I
5. Video: The New Historical Novel in Latin America Pt. II

Graded: 19th Century Historical Fiction

WEEK 6


Seminar with Katherine Howe
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.”


4 videos expand

1. Video: Professor Holsinger introduces Katherine Howe
2. Video: Katherine Howe discusses "Deliverance Dane"
3. Video: Katherine Howe dives into her characters and their historical traits
4. Video: Katherine Howe session wrap up

WEEK 7


Seminar with Geraldine Brooks
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.”


4 videos expand

1. Video: Professor Holsinger introduces Geraldine Brooks
2. Video: Geraldine Brooks discusses the balance of the research and the evolution of the story
3. Video: Geraldine Brooks discusses the evolution of the characters and story
4. Video: Geraldine Brooks session wrap up

WEEK 8


Seminar with Mary Beth Keane
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.”


4 videos expand

1. Video: Professor Holsinger introduces Mary Beth Keane
2. Video: Mary Beth Keane discusses the evolution of characters
3. Video: Mary Beth Keane discusses integrating historical features
4. Video: Mary Beth Keane session wrap up

WEEK 9


Seminar with Yangsze Choo
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.”


4 videos expand

1. Video: Professor Holsinger introduces Yangsze Choo
2. Video: Yangsze Choo discusses selecting the point of view for your characters
3. Video: Yangsze Choo discusses the idea of parallel worlds and making decisions about the direction of your story
4. Video: Yangsze Choo session wrap up

WEEK 10


Dialogues in Historical Fiction
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.


5 videos expand

1. Video: Michael McKeon and Bruce Holsinger discuss what it meant to be writing historical fiction in the 18th century
2. Video: Eva Stachniak and Bruce Holsinger discuss the context of historical fiction in their writing
3. Video: David Robbins and Bruce Holsinger discuss revealing characters through historical events
4. Video: Matthew Pearl and Bruce Holsinger discussing writing within the genre of historical fiction
5. Video: Andrew Taylor and Bruce Holsinger discussing writing in relation to the history of historical fiction

WEEK 11


Assignments and Wrap-Up
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.


1 video, 1 reading expand

1. Video: Wrap-up with Professor Holsinger
2. Peer Review: Historical Archive Assignment
3. Peer Review: Historical Fiction Creative Writing Assignment
4. Reading: Facebook Group

WEEK 12


Resources
This module includes the course readings, a list of archival resources, and an overview of the authors included in the course.


3 readings expand

1. Reading: Readings
2. Reading: Archives Primary Sources
3. Reading: Visiting Authors and Scholars