Neil Gaiman, The Ocean at the End of the Lane
Anne Gracie, The Autumn Bride
Gillian Flynn, Gone Girl.
George R. R. Martin, A Game of Thrones.
Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games.
Lev Grossman, "Literary Revolution in the Supermarket Aisle: Genre Fiction Is Disruptive Technology." Time. 23 May, 2012.
Arthur Krystal, "It's Genre. Not that There's Anything Wrong With It!" The New Yorker. October 24, 2012.
This course considers the kinds of fiction that are usually described as "genre"or "popular" works. It provides a practice-led exploration and analysis of a range of significant genre texts and techniques. The emphasis is on the genre novel, and students will be asked to workshop a synopsis and write an opening chapter in a genre of their choosing. Students will also consider the theory of genre fiction, and how genres operate in the literary marketplace.
Assumed Background: