Plagues, Witches, and War: The Worlds of Historical Fiction
A unique and exciting introduction to the genre and craft of historical fiction, for curious students, aspiring authors--anyone with a passion for the past. Read classics of the genre, encounter bestselling writers of historical fiction, and discover your own historical archive while interacting with a global community of interested readers.
Monthly Subscription Starting at AED 99 + VAT
- Level Foundation
- Duration 15 hours
- Course by University of Virginia
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Offered by
About
A unique and exciting introduction to the genre and craft of historical fiction, for curious students, aspiring authors--anyone with a passion for the past. Read classics of the genre, encounter bestselling writers of historical fiction, and discover your own historical archive while interacting with a global community of interested readers.Modules
"Plagues, Witches, and War": The Big Picture
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2
Videos
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2
Readings
2
Videos
- Professor Holsinger Provides an overview of "Plagues, Witches, and War"
- How to Get the Most out of this Course
2
Readings
- How to Use Discussion Forums
- Get to Know Your Classmates
Understanding the roots of historical fiction
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3
Videos
3
Videos
- Defining the Genre
- The Pre-History of Historical Fiction
- From Archive to Novel
Tracing the origins of historical fiction
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3
Videos
3
Videos
- Differentiating fiction and history in the 18th and 19th century
- A look at Sir Walter Scott and work of the 18th century
- The global reach of the historical fiction genre
Review
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- What Is Historical Fiction?
Seminar with Jane Alison on "The Love Artist"
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2
Videos
2
Videos
- Introduction of Jane Alison
- Using characters to set the set the historical context
Diving into "The Love Artist"
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2
Videos
2
Videos
- An indepth look at the characters and story
- Some challenges in historical fiction writing
Historical fiction in the 18th century
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2
Videos
2
Videos
- Cooper's Leatherstocking Tales: Fiction on the Frontier
- Cooper's Leatherstocking Tales (continued)
Historical fiction in the 19th century
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2
Videos
2
Videos
- Brown's "Clotel": Slavery, Fiction, and a Founding Father
- Dickens and the French Revolution: "A Tale of Two Cities"
Review
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Two Centuries of Historical Fiction
Anna Katharine Green
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2
Videos
2
Videos
- Anna Katharine Green and the Invention of the Historical Mystery Pt. I
- Anna Katharine Green and the Invention of the Historical Mystery Pt. II
Forces effecting historical fiction
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3
Videos
3
Videos
- Modernism, Metafiction, and the Mass Market, 1920-1980
- The New Historical Novel in Latin America Pt. I
- The New Historical Novel in Latin America Pt. II
Review
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- 19th Century Historical Fiction
Witchcraft Past and Present: Katherine Howe
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4
Videos
4
Videos
- Professor Holsinger introduces Katherine Howe
- Katherine Howe discusses "Deliverance Dane"
- Katherine Howe dives into her characters and their historical traits
- Katherine Howe session wrap up
A Plague Year in Renaissance England: Geraldine Brooks
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4
Videos
4
Videos
- Professor Holsinger introduces Geraldine Brooks
- Geraldine Brooks discusses the balance of the research and the evolution of the story
- Geraldine Brooks discusses the evolution of the characters and story
- Geraldine Brooks session wrap up
Disease and the Written City: Mary Beth Keane
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4
Videos
4
Videos
- Professor Holsinger introduces Mary Beth Keane
- Mary Beth Keane discusses the evolution of characters
- Mary Beth Keane discusses integrating historical features
- Mary Beth Keane session wrap up
Ghosts and Marriage in Colonial Malaysia: Yangsze Choo
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4
Videos
4
Videos
- Professor Holsinger introduces Yangsze Choo
- Yangsze Choo discusses selecting the point of view for your characters
- Yangsze Choo discusses the idea of parallel worlds and making decisions about the direction of your story
- Yangsze Choo session wrap up
Michael McKeon: History and Theory of the Novel
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1
Videos
1
Videos
- Michael McKeon and Bruce Holsinger discuss what it meant to be writing historical fiction in the 18th century
Eva Stachniak: Author of Winter Palace
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1
Videos
1
Videos
- Eva Stachniak and Bruce Holsinger discuss the context of historical fiction in their writing
David Robbins: Author of Broken Jewel
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1
Videos
1
Videos
- David Robbins and Bruce Holsinger discuss revealing characters through historical events
Matthew Pearl: Author of The Poe Shadow
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1
Videos
1
Videos
- Matthew Pearl and Bruce Holsinger discussing writing within the genre of historical fiction
Andrew Taylor: Author of The Scent of Death
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1
Videos
1
Videos
- Andrew Taylor and Bruce Holsinger discussing writing in relation to the history of historical fiction
Wrap-up
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1
Videos
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1
Readings
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2
PeerReview
2
Peer Review
- Historical Archive Assignment
- Historical Fiction Creative Writing Assignment
1
Videos
- Wrap-up with Professor Holsinger
1
Readings
- Facebook Group
Resources
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3
Readings
3
Readings
- Readings
- Archives Primary Sources
- Visiting Authors and Scholars
Auto Summary
Explore the fascinating genre of historical fiction with "Plagues, Witches, and War: The Worlds of Historical Fiction." Offered by Coursera and led by expert instructors, this foundational course delves into classic and bestselling works, helping you craft your own historical narratives. Over 900 minutes, engage with a global community of enthusiasts and choose from Starter or Professional subscription options. Perfect for curious learners and aspiring authors passionate about the past.
Bruce Holsinger