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
| 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, and located on a World Heritage site in Charlottesville, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to help shape the future of the nation. The University is public, while nourished by the strong support of its alumni. It is also selective; the students who come here have been chosen because they show the exceptional promise Jefferson envisioned.
Pricing
| Audit | Purchase Course | |
|---|---|---|
| Access to course materials | Available | Available |
| Access to graded materials | Not available | Available |
| Receive a final grade | Not available | Available |
| Earn a shareable Course Certificate | Not available | Available |
Ratings and Reviews
It is such a good course to understand about the different areas of Historical Fiction
Excellent videos and reading material! Now I have more historical novels based on the recommendations done by the scholars! I hope a similar course is prepared presenting more authors!
This was a fantastic class. I learned a lot about writing historical fiction, and I was able to add several books to my already teetering TBR pile. Dr. Holsinger was an interesting professor and obviously loves the material. I would recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in history or historical fiction.
Coursera provides universal access to the world’s best education, partnering with top universities and organizations to offer courses online.
© 2017 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
MW
Really interesting course. I loved the interviews with all the different writers.