Magic and Fantasy in Literature

Robert Raymer forwarded this information about a course taught by Alina Rastam to me and I think some of you will be interested :

 Magic and Fantasy in Literature

i) Course Description

Some of the most enduring and best-loved works of literature such as The Lord of the Rings, the Harry Potter series, The Chronicles of Narnia and Alice in Wonderland are those that are set in a fantasy world, in which magic is a prime feature. It is clear that many people are fascinated by the genre of magic and fantasy. But what is it that we find so attractive about this genre? And can texts set in imaginary or fantasy worlds say anything of importance about the real life concerns and issues that we face or do they just pander to the escapist in us?

‘Magic and Fantasy in Literature’ is a seven-week course that will explore such questions through study of the following four texts:

• Two Arthurian short stories: i) Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and ii) Gawain and the Loathely Lady, from Rosemary Sutcliff’s The Sword and the Circle.
• A Dark Horn Blowing by Dahlov Ipcar
• A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin

Participants will address general questions to do with the genre of magic and fantasy as well as study each of the texts in depth so as to understand the particular concerns and issues of each writer and text. No background in literary study is necessary – just a keen desire to open up to the worlds of magic and fantasy within the four exquisite texts we will be exploring in this course, and within yourself.

ii) Course Details

Classes will be held every Saturday afternoon starting on the 22nd of May.

Class Schedule: Class 1 – May 22
Class 2 – May 29
Class 3 – June 5
Class 4 – June 12
Class 5 – June 19
Class 6 – June 26
Class 7 – July 3.
Saturdays 3-5pm
Venue: 15 Persiaran Syed Putra, 50460 Kuala Lumpur (near Taman Seputeh, Brickfields).
Course Fees: RM600 per person. Full payment for the course to be made upfront and no refunds will be given.