The Philosophy of Fantasy
Instructor: Daniel Kodaj

General aim of the course:
The aim of the course is to explore philosophical questions about fantasy as a narrative genre.

Content of the course:

This is an English-language course on fantasy as a narrative genre (not about psychology or psychoanalysis).

Fantasy is one of the most recognizable narrative genres: everyone knows Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. Its roots go back thousands of years to ancient myths and legends, and it spans an incredibly wide spectrum that includes LoTR-style heroic tales as well as dark fantasy (Witcher, Dark Crystal...), paranormal romance (Twilight), urban fantasy (Dresden Files, Constantine, Highlander...), magical realism (Borges), and much more. It is also a highly polymorph genre that is present in literature, films, comic books, computer games, and tabletop roleplaying games.

Despite its prevalence, fantasy is rarely discussed in philosophy. This is in stark contrast with science fiction, which is very often invoked in, and shares some of the themes of, contemporary (analytic) philosophy. The goal of this seminar is to explore how fantasy works and what kind of philosophical problems it presents.

Grading criteria, specific requirements:
BA and non-philosophy MA:
2 in-class tests (midterm and final; 20 Oct and 8 Dec) (2 x 50 points)

The midterm and final tests will be based on the readings. They will consist of multiple-choice questions and short questions about the texts, and an essay question. If you miss one or both tests, there will be a make-up test session in the first week of the exam period (probably 16 December).

Optional: short presentation (15 minutes) on one of the readings (and the accompanying narrative, if there is one) (50 points)

Optional: short presentation (15 minutes) on a fantasy book, series, franchise etc. (25 points)

Grading: 0–59 points F, 60–69 points D, 70–79 points C, 80–89 points B, 90+ points A.

Philosophy or logic MA:
Same as the BA requirements but the tests will be harder.

PhD:
1. In-class presentation of one of the readings, and
2. essay (min. 2000 words, deadline: 11 January).

Late submission incurs a –1 grade penalty per week (–1 from 12 January, –2 from 19 January etc.). Essays written by ChatGPT result in an F.

Required readings:
To be announced in the first week of the term.