Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
- ''A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...'' The genres of fantasy and science fiction are vital aspects of modernity, with that vitality reflected in the resonance of this epigraph from the Star Wars films, embodied in the vast popularity of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, and exemplified by the flourishing subculture associated with Star Trek. This unit studies the 'mythistories' (to use William McNeill's apt term) of these genres: the ways in which they have combined cultural creativity and historical memory to design fantastic pasts, imagine alternative presents, or extrapolate futures. At the same time, the unit examines the emergence of fantasy and science fiction within the crisis-ridden twentieth century, while considering how these genres have, in their turn, contributed to the making of the modern world. The utopian and dystopian futures conceived in science fiction; the alternate history genre (What if the Nazis had won the Second World War?); the imaginary realms and imaginary pasts of 'High Fantasy'; the far-future visions of 'Dying Earth' science-fantasy—all are analysed in their historical and ideological dimensions. Students engage with primary sources and develop their research skills in the history of ideas and cultural history, while engaging with the sophisticated critical and contextual studies that have accumulated around science fiction and fantasy texts.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 3 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) describe and assess the basic methodological issues characteristic of the discipline of History; (2) identify and evaluate the methodological problems posed by contemporary history of ideas and cultural history; (3) demonstrate a detailed understanding of the history of the science fiction and fantasy genres and about the historical imagination of those genres; (4) analyse a range of historical material of various kinds for essay assessments using appropriate methodologies; (5) relate their independent interpretations to complex historiographical debates over the history of science fiction and fantasy; and (6) present advanced arguments in both written and oral assessments using the conventions of the historical discipline.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) tutorial participation; (2) a bibliographical exercise; (3) a research essay; and (4) a review essay. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Associate Professor Robert Stuart
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- a Level 2 History unit
or EURO2201 European Civilisation
or GEND2902 Men and Masculinities in History - Incompatibility
- HIST2233 History in Fantasy, Fantasy in History.
HIST2233 Mythistory: Science Fiction, Fantasy and the Historical Imagination.
HIST3233 History, Fantasy and Tolkien's Worlds
- Contact hours
- lectures: 20 hours
tutorials: 10 hours
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.