Explore historical fiction: Learn from bestselling authors, study classics, and discover your own historical archive in this unique course.
Explore historical fiction: Learn from bestselling authors, study classics, and discover your own historical archive in this unique course.
This course offers a unique and exciting introduction to the genre and craft of historical fiction. Led by Professor Bruce Holsinger, it provides a comprehensive exploration of historical fiction's evolution, from its 18th-century origins to contemporary bestsellers. Students will read classics of the genre, engage with renowned authors, and discover their own historical archives. The course covers key aspects of historical fiction writing, including research techniques, character development, and balancing historical accuracy with narrative creativity. Through author seminars and dialogues, students gain insights into the writing process from successful historical fiction writers. The course also encourages hands-on learning with assignments on identifying historical archives and creating original historical fiction pieces.
4.6
(589 ratings)
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English
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What you'll learn
Understand the origins and evolution of historical fiction as a literary genre
Analyze key works of historical fiction from the 18th century to the present
Explore techniques for balancing historical accuracy with creative storytelling
Learn research methods for identifying and utilizing historical archives
Gain insights from bestselling authors on writing historical fiction
Develop skills in creating authentic historical settings and characters
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
3.2 Hours PreRecorded video
3 assignments
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There are 12 modules in this course
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the genre and craft of historical fiction. Led by Professor Bruce Holsinger, it traces the evolution of historical fiction from its 18th-century roots to contemporary bestsellers. Students will explore key works and authors that shaped the genre, including Sir Walter Scott, Charles Dickens, and modern Latin American historical novelists. The course features seminars and dialogues with acclaimed historical fiction authors, offering insights into research methods, character development, and the challenges of blending historical fact with creative narrative. Participants will learn to identify historical archives and develop their own historical fiction writing skills through practical assignments. The course covers various subgenres and approaches to historical fiction, examining how authors tackle different historical periods and themes.
Course Roadmap
Module 1 · 41 Minutes to complete
What is Historical Fiction?
Module 2 · 1 Hours to complete
Poetry and Exile in Ancient Rome: Jane Alison
Module 3 · 1 Hours to complete
Two Centuries of Historical Fiction
Module 4 · 1 Hours to complete
19th Century Historical Fiction
Module 5 · 1 Hours to complete
Seminar with Katherine Howe
Module 6 · 1 Hours to complete
Seminar with Geraldine Brooks
Module 7 · 1 Hours to complete
Seminar with Mary Beth Keane
Module 8 · 59 Minutes to complete
Seminar with Yangsze Choo
Module 9 · 50 Minutes to complete
Dialogues in Historical Fiction
Module 10 · 1 Hours to complete
Assignments and Wrap-Up
Module 11 · 2 Hours to complete
Resources
Module 12 · 30 Minutes to complete
Fee Structure
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Financial Aid
Instructor
Scholar of Medieval Culture and Historical Fiction
Bruce Holsinger is a professor in the Department of English at the University of Virginia, known for his historical novel A Burnable Book, set in London in 1385, which is forthcoming from HarperCollins and William Morrow. He has authored or edited six nonfiction books, including Music, Body, and Desire in Medieval Culture, which received significant accolades. Holsinger's research explores the enduring influence of the Middle Ages on modern thought, encompassing topics such as postwar French intellectual history and the political rhetoric surrounding the War on Terror. He is currently working on a book titled Archive of the Animal, which examines Shakespeare's reflections on parchment and its role in medieval literature preservation. A trained classical clarinetist, Holsinger holds a Ph.D. in English and Comparative Literature from Columbia University and previously taught at the University of Colorado in Boulder.
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4.6 course rating
589 ratings
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