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Bruce Holsinger
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.
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OpenCourser.com/course/4g2o2e/plagues
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What's inside
Syllabus
Course Roadmap
In this module Professor Holsinger poses a working definition of historical fiction and sets expectations for the course content and assignments.
Read more
Syllabus
Course Roadmap
In this module Professor Holsinger poses a working definition of historical fiction and sets expectations for the course content and assignments.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Explores the history of historical fiction going all the way back to ancient Rome
Offers insights from bestselling authors of historical fiction
Provides an opportunity to interact with a global learning community
Emphasizes the importance of identifying historical archives for historical fiction
Taught by Bruce Holsinger, a highly respected professor of English and Director of UVA's Creative Writing Program
Provides voluntary assignments to encourage critical thinking
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Reviews summary
Historical fiction genre and craft
According to learners, this course offers a wonderful introduction to historical fiction, praised for its engaging professor and fascinating guest author seminars. Students appreciated the broad historical overview and the well-chosen reading list. However, some aspiring writers noted a lesser focus on practical writing craft compared to literary analysis and genre discussion, indicating it may be more suitable for readers than those solely focused on writing technique. The course structure is generally seen as well-organized.
Books are not provided, need sourcing.
"The readings require finding the books yourself, which adds cost/effort."
Well-chosen book list provided.
"The course readings were well chosen."
"The suggested readings were excellent."
"The readings list was extensive but accessible."
Broad and informative context.
"I particularly enjoyed the historical overview modules..."
"The historical context parts were interesting..."
"The historical scope was broad and informative."
Fascinating insights from writers.
"The seminars with the guest authors were a highlight – so insightful..."
"Meeting the contemporary authors through the videos was fascinating."
"The author seminars provided unique perspectives."
Expert and passionate lecturer.
"Absolutely wonderful course! Professor Holsinger is incredibly engaging, passionate, and knowledgeable."
"The professor is brilliant and makes the history come alive."
"Professor Holsinger is a superb lecturer, clear and enthusiastic."
Less practical writing skills advice.
"My main critique is that the course could have gone a bit deeper into the *craft* of writing itself..."
"I was hoping for more concrete advice on *how* to write historical fiction..."
"the focus is too much on literary analysis and interviews, not enough on practical writing skills..."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Plagues, Witches, and War: The Worlds of Historical Fiction with these
activities:
Gather Resources and Tools
Show steps
Collect a set of writing tools, websites, and resources to supplement your research and writing process.
Show steps
-
Set up a research journal
-
Identify resources and tools
-
Organize resources and tools
-
Share your list with other students
Develop Historical Character Profiles
Show steps
Create well-rounded character sketches that include historical and fictional character traits, motivations, and relationships.
Browse courses on
Character Development
Show steps
-
Establish character name and occupations
-
Establish physical descriptions
-
Establish personality traits
-
Establish motivations and desires
-
Establish relationships with each other
Character Dialogue Practice
Show steps
Improve your ability to write believable and engaging dialogue between characters.
Browse courses on
Dialogue Writing
Show steps
-
Practice daily writing exercises
-
Read and analyze great examples of dialogue
-
Get feedback from others
-
Revise and rewrite your dialogue
Show all three activities
Gather Resources and Tools
Show steps
Collect a set of writing tools, websites, and resources to supplement your research and writing process.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Set up a research journal
- Identify resources and tools
- Organize resources and tools
- Share your list with other students
Develop Historical Character Profiles
Show steps
Create well-rounded character sketches that include historical and fictional character traits, motivations, and relationships.
Browse courses on
Character Development
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Establish character name and occupations
- Establish physical descriptions
- Establish personality traits
- Establish motivations and desires
- Establish relationships with each other
Character Dialogue Practice
Show steps
Improve your ability to write believable and engaging dialogue between characters.
Browse courses on
Dialogue Writing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Practice daily writing exercises
- Read and analyze great examples of dialogue
- Get feedback from others
- Revise and rewrite your dialogue
Show all three activities
Career center
Learners who complete Plagues, Witches, and War: The Worlds of Historical Fiction will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Historian
Historian
Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past, using primary and secondary sources. This course can help build a foundation in historical research methods and provide exposure to a variety of historical periods and topics.
Professor
Professor
Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. This course can help build a foundation in historical research and provide exposure to different historical periods and topics.
Archivist
Archivist
Archivists collect, preserve, and maintain historical records and documents. This course can help build a foundation in archival methods and provide exposure to different types of historical materials.
Historical Interpreter
Historical Interpreter
Historical Interpreters share historical information with the public through presentations, demonstrations, and tours. This course may be useful for developing public speaking and presentation skills, as well as a deeper understanding of historical topics.
Author
Author
Authors write books, articles, and other forms of literature. This course can help build a foundation in creative writing and provide exposure to different writing styles and genres, particularly historical fiction.
Museum Educator
Museum Educator
Museum Educators develop and implement educational programs for museums and other cultural institutions. This course may be useful for developing public speaking and presentation skills, as well as a deeper understanding of historical topics.
Curator
Curator
Curators plan and oversee exhibitions, conduct research, and care for collections of artifacts and specimens. This course may be useful for developing knowledge of historical artifacts and exhibition design.
Museum Archivist
Museum Archivist
Museum Archivists preserve and maintain historical records and artifacts in museums, ensuring they are available for research and educational purposes. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in understanding the historical context of the artifacts and records.
Researcher
Researcher
Researchers conduct original research and analyze data to answer questions and solve problems. This course may be useful for developing research skills and gaining knowledge of historical research methods.
Editor
Editor
Editors review, revise, and prepare written material for publication. This course may be useful for developing editing and writing skills, as well as an understanding of historical context.
Documentarian
Documentarian
Documentarians research, write, and produce documentaries on a variety of topics. This course may be useful for developing research and writing skills, as well as an understanding of historical context.
Librarian
Librarian
Librarians select, acquire, catalog, organize, and maintain library materials. This course may be useful for developing research skills and gaining knowledge of historical resources.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers develop and implement lesson plans, instruct students, and assess their progress. This course may be useful in providing a deeper understanding of historical topics and developing engaging lesson plans.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists write, edit, and report on news and current events. This course may be useful for developing research and writing skills, as well as an understanding of historical context.
Copywriter
Copywriter
Copywriters write persuasive and engaging content for marketing and advertising campaigns. This course may be useful for developing writing skills and gaining an understanding of historical context.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/4g2o2e/plagues
Reading list
We've selected ten books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Plagues, Witches, and War: The Worlds of Historical Fiction.
Save
This handbook offers a comprehensive overview of the field of the novel, including its history, theory, and practice. It would be an excellent resource for students who want to learn more about the genre and its critical reception.
This handbook offers a comprehensive overview of the field of historical fiction, including its history, theory, and practice. It would be an excellent resource for students who want to learn more about the genre and its critical reception.
This classic work on the historical novel provides a Marxist perspective on the genre. It would be a valuable resource for students interested in learning more about the political and social dimensions of the historical novel.
Save
This comprehensive history of the English novel provides a broad overview of the genre's development from its origins to the present day. It would be a valuable resource for students interested in learning more about the history and evolution of historical fiction.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the genre of the historical novel, including its history, theory, and practice. It would be a helpful resource for students who are new to the genre or who want to learn more about its basic principles.
Save
This introduction provides a clear and concise overview of the genre of the historical novel, including its history, theory, and practice. It would be a helpful resource for students who are new to the genre or who want to learn more about its basic principles.
This introduction provides a clear and concise overview of the genre of the historical novel, including its history, theory, and practice. It would be a helpful resource for students who are new to the genre or who want to learn more about its basic principles.
This introduction provides a clear and concise overview of the genre of historical fiction, including its history, theory, and practice. It would be a helpful resource for students who are new to the genre or who want to learn more about its basic principles.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the genre of historical fiction, including its history, theory, and practice. It would be a helpful resource for students who are new to the genre or who want to learn more about its basic principles.
This introduction provides a clear and concise overview of the genre of the historical novel, including its history, theory, and practice. It would be a helpful resource for students who are new to the genre or who want to learn more about its basic principles.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/4g2o2e/plagues
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Effort
10 hours of videos and assessments
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Virginia
Instructor
Bruce Holsinger
Language
English
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