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

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/historical-fiction

Introduction

### Course Review: Plagues, Witches, and War: The Worlds of Historical Fiction If you’ve ever found yourself captivated by a historical novel, perhaps getting lost in the pages of a bygone era or feeling the emotions of characters shaped by real events, then the Coursera course **“Plagues, Witches, and War: The Worlds of Historical Fiction"** could be an inviting and enriching experience. Led by the esteemed Professor Holsinger from the University of Virginia, this course serves as a magnificent gateway into the genre of historical fiction—perfect for both curious readers and aspiring authors alike. #### Course Overview This course is remarkably designed to provide a solid understanding of historical fiction as a genre. It’s not just about reading; it’s about interactions with renowned authors, discussions that bring literary works to life, and collaborative learning with a global community of readers and writers. The course unfolds in a series of engaging modules, each meticulously crafted to enhance your grasp of the genre, its evolution, and its cultural relevance. #### Course Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Course Roadmap**: The journey begins with a critical exploration of what defines historical fiction. Professor Holsinger ensures that participants are well-prepared for the course’s content and expectations. 2. **What is Historical Fiction?**: Discover the origins of this literary genre, tracing its development through the 18th and 19th centuries, and setting a foundational understanding of the genre’s significance. 3. **Poetry and Exile in Ancient Rome**: Engage with acclaimed author Jane Alison as she shares insights on her work “The Love Artist,” offering students an intimate look at the interplay between historical context and creative writing. 4. **Two Centuries of Historical Fiction**: This module focuses on pivotal works and authors, including a thorough discussion of classics such as “The Leatherstocking Tales” and Charles Dickens, highlighting how they shaped the genre. 5. **19th Century Historical Fiction**: Delve deep into the contributions of Anna Katharine Green, enjoying an exploration of the forces influencing the craft of historical fiction during this time. 6. **Seminars with Notable Authors**: The course includes a series of seminars led by contemporary authors like Katherine Howe, Geraldine Brooks, Mary Beth Keane, and Yangsze Choo. These interactive discussions illuminate the creative processes behind their celebrated works. 7. **Dialogues in Historical Fiction**: This module features a collection of interviews with various authors, providing diverse perspectives on their craft and the challenges of writing historical fiction. 8. **Assignments and Wrap-Up**: The course concludes with voluntary assignments encouraging participants to identify a historical archive and craft their own historical fiction piece. This practical approach solidifies learning and fosters creativity. 9. **Resources**: A treasure trove of readings, archival resources, and author overviews are provided, enhancing the learning experience. #### Recommendations **Who Should Take This Course?** - Aspiring authors who wish to enhance their writing skills. - Passionate readers eager to deepen their understanding of the historical fiction genre. - History enthusiasts looking to connect the past with narrative art. **Investment of Time** With a flexible learning structure, participants can take this course at their own pace. Each module offers rich content without being overwhelming, making it manageable for those with busy schedules. **Final Thoughts** “Plagues, Witches, and War: The Worlds of Historical Fiction” is a must-take course for anyone intrigued by the nuances of storytelling within historical contexts. The level of engagement, combined with the insights from established authors, makes this an invaluable experience that transcends traditional learning. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or simply a lover of historical tales, you’ll walk away with a profound appreciation for the craft of historical fiction. I wholeheartedly recommend enrolling in this course – immerse yourself in the past, and let your imagination flourish!

Syllabus

Course Roadmap

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

In this module Professor Holsinger details the history of the historical fiction novel through the 18th and 19th centuries.

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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