Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

English

Recommended previous knowledge

It is recommended that EN-455-1 has been completed or is taken during the same semester.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course students have knowledge of

  • exemplary works of historical and alternate historical fiction
  • methods and techniques of literary analysis
  • the role of narrativity in both fiction and historical writing
  • relevant historical and cultural context for understanding the significance of selected primary works
  • how to produce scholarly writing about historical and alternate history fiction

Upon successful completion of the course, students can

  • utilize concepts and vocabulary associated with the analyses of historical and alternate history fiction
  • understand methods of textual analysis and close reading
  • identify social and historical developments that have impacted both popular and critical receptions of historical and alternate history fiction
  • demonstrate critical thinking in the evaluation of approaches and techniques in literary arts
  • develop independent critical arguments about the significance of historical and alternate history fiction

Contents

The purpose of this course is to explore the near-simultaneous emergence of modern historical fiction and alternate history in the early nineteenth century, and to examine these genres’ subsequent and related developments through the lens of selected works. The course will also draw on the resources of historiography, cultural studies, narrative theory, and philosophy in order to understand how and why historical and alternate historical fictions have become an enduring part of the popular cultural landscape. We will examine the role of these genres in 1) constructing and deconstructing the foundations of national myth; 2) probing the limits of individual agency in mass-mediated societies; 3) interrogating the relation between necessity and contingency in historical thought.

Teaching and learning methods

Seminars. Active and regular participation is expected. The estimated workload is approximately 270 hours.

Examination requirements

Students must have gained a pass grade on an in-class presentation in order to be eligible to take the exam. Further work requirements will be disclosed at the start of the semester.

Examinations

The exam consists of two parts: An essay that makes up 40% of the final grade and a 7 day’s individual home exam that will make up 60%. Required essay length is 3,000 words. Required word count for the home exam is 2,500 words. Graded assessment. Both parts of the exam must receive passing grades to pass the course.

Student evaluation

The person responsible for the course decides, in cooperation with student representative, the form of student evaluation and whether the course is to have a midway or end of course evaluation in accordance with the quality system for education, chapter 4.1.

Offered as a free-standing course

Yes, if there are places available

Admission Requirement if given as a free-standing course

Same admission requirements apply as for the master's programme in English.

Admission for external candidates

No

Reduction of Credits

This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:

Course Reduction of Credits
EN-450 – Historical and Alternate Historical Fiction. 10
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 9:18:50 AM