About this course: 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.
Created by: University of Virginia
Taught by: Bruce Holsinger, Professor
English
| Level | Beginner |
| Commitment | 10 hours of videos and assessments |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Course Roadmap
In this module Professor Holsinger poses a working definition of historical fiction and sets expectations for the course content and assignments.
2 videos, 2 readings
- Reading: How to Use Discussion Forums
- Video: How to Get the Most out of this Course
- Reading: Get to Know Your Classmates
WEEK 2
What is Historical Fiction?
In this module Professor Holsinger details the history of the historical fiction novel through the 18th and 19th centuries.
6 videos
- Video: The Pre-History of Historical Fiction
- Video: From Archive to Novel
- Video: Differentiating fiction and history in the 18th and 19th century
- Video: A look at Sir Walter Scott and work of the 18th century
- Video: The global reach of the historical fiction genre
Graded: What Is Historical Fiction?
WEEK 3
Poetry and Exile in Ancient Rome: Jane Alison
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.”
4 videos
- Video: Using characters to set the set the historical context
- Video: An indepth look at the characters and story
- Video: Some challenges in historical fiction writing
WEEK 4
Two Centuries of Historical Fiction
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.
4 videos
- Video: Cooper's Leatherstocking Tales (continued)
- Video: Brown's "Clotel": Slavery, Fiction, and a Founding Father
- Video: Dickens and the French Revolution: "A Tale of Two Cities"
Graded: Two Centuries of Historical Fiction
WEEK 5
19th Century Historical Fiction
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.
5 videos
- Video: Anna Katharine Green and the Invention of the Historical Mystery Pt. II
- Video: Modernism, Metafiction, and the Mass Market, 1920-1980
- Video: The New Historical Novel in Latin America Pt. I
- Video: The New Historical Novel in Latin America Pt. II
Graded: 19th Century Historical Fiction
WEEK 6
Seminar with Katherine Howe
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.”
4 videos
- Video: Katherine Howe discusses "Deliverance Dane"
- Video: Katherine Howe dives into her characters and their historical traits
- Video: Katherine Howe session wrap up
WEEK 7
Seminar with Geraldine Brooks
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.”
4 videos
- Video: Geraldine Brooks discusses the balance of the research and the evolution of the story
- Video: Geraldine Brooks discusses the evolution of the characters and story
- Video: Geraldine Brooks session wrap up
WEEK 8
Seminar with Mary Beth Keane
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.”
4 videos
- Video: Mary Beth Keane discusses the evolution of characters
- Video: Mary Beth Keane discusses integrating historical features
- Video: Mary Beth Keane session wrap up
WEEK 9
Seminar with Yangsze Choo
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.”
4 videos
- Video: Yangsze Choo discusses selecting the point of view for your characters
- Video: Yangsze Choo discusses the idea of parallel worlds and making decisions about the direction of your story
- Video: Yangsze Choo session wrap up
WEEK 10
Dialogues in Historical Fiction
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.
5 videos
- Video: Eva Stachniak and Bruce Holsinger discuss the context of historical fiction in their writing
- Video: David Robbins and Bruce Holsinger discuss revealing characters through historical events
- Video: Matthew Pearl and Bruce Holsinger discussing writing within the genre of historical fiction
- Video: Andrew Taylor and Bruce Holsinger discussing writing in relation to the history of historical fiction
WEEK 11
Assignments and Wrap-Up
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.
1 video, 1 reading
- Peer Review: Historical Archive Assignment
- Peer Review: Historical Fiction Creative Writing Assignment
- Reading: Facebook Group
WEEK 12
Resources
This module includes the course readings, a list of archival resources, and an overview of the authors included in the course.
3 readings
- Reading: Readings
- Reading: Archives Primary Sources
- Reading: Visiting Authors and Scholars
FAQs
How It Works
Coursework
Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.
Help from Your Peers
Connect with thousands of other learners and debate ideas, discuss course material, and get help mastering concepts.
Certificates
Earn official recognition for your work, and share your success with friends, colleagues, and employers.
Creators
University of Virginia
A premier institution of higher education, The University of Virginia offers outstanding academics, world-class faculty, and an inspiring, supportive environment. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University is guided by his vision of discovery, innovation, and development of the full potential of students from all walks of life. Through these courses, global learners have an opportunity to study with renowned scholars and thought leaders.
Pricing
| Purchase Course | |
|---|---|
| Access to course materials | Available |
| Access to graded materials | Available |
| Receive a final grade | Available |
| Earn a shareable Course Certificate | Available |
Ratings and Reviews
Great class! I particularly enjoyed the author's talks. Hearing about the writing process was fascinating. I learned so much about the evolution of the historical fiction genre, which is my personal favorite. More books have been added to my lengthy list of books that Must Be Read.
Learned so much, I might take this course again! It prompted me to read several books I had not read before as well as learn much about my own writing. Thanks!
This course was unique in presentation as well as content. Professor Holsinger's videos were rich and focused. The author videos provided valuable insight into research and character development. I expected there to be writing assignments (having completed the Creative Writing specialization), but I now know that was not the purpose of the course. From a research standpoint, this course was outstanding. Thank you, Professor Holsinger. -Margaret (Peggy) Barnes, Mentor, Creative Writing, The Craft of Style
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VL
The content was very interesting.