midterm

Fantasy and Science Fiction, Spring 2018 MW Take-Home Midterm

Answer 3 of the 4 questions below. For each answer, discuss 2 of the fantasy worlds listed at the bottom of the page. Any relevant film, tv episode, comic, game or webisode set in the fantasy world can be discussed, but don’t use any fantasy world in multiple answers. One of your answers must include your chosen graphic novel.

The exam should be typed, double-spaced, in Times New Roman 12-point. The exam is due February 21.

Your responses should demonstrate three things:

• You have viewed each text you discuss carefully, and can develop specific, detailed examples to anchor your analysis.

• You have studied and understood the key critical concepts of the class. For each question, be sure to clearly describe the critic’s most relevant arguments, then apply those concepts to your texts. In the process, avoid direct quotation of authors. Instead, explain the author’s ideas in your own words.

• You have critically engaged the ideas of the class, and can develop your own analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of each critic’s approach.

Questions

Answer 3 of the following 4 questions. Each answer should be at least 2 pages long.

1. Pick stories from 2 of the fantasy worlds below. Compare the model of the Hero’s Journey described by Joseph Campbell to the 2 stories. How closely do they follow the Hero’s Journey? What accounts for the similarities and/or differences? Then, drawing on this comparison, asses the strengths and limitations of Joseph Campbell’s ideas, as well as Christopher Vogler’s and Stuart Voytilla’s popularization of those ideas.

2. Pick 2 of the fantasy worlds below. Discuss how Carl Jung’s ideas about archetypes and the collective unconscious illuminate each world, and/or how the texts appear to challenge or complicate Jung’s concepts.

3. Pick 2 of the fantasy worlds below. Apply Thomas Schatz’s ideas about genre to the two worlds.

4. Pick stories from 2 of the fantasy worlds below. Compare the “Little Red Riding Hood” narratives described by Maria Tatar in The Classic Fairy Tales to the 2 stories. Drawing on Tatar’s ideas, discuss the ideas and assumptions about gender embedded in each story.

Fantasy Worlds

Note: each of these worlds can be used to answer only one of the midterm questions. For film, TV, and comic book series, you may discuss the specific film/episode/issues assigned for class, or any other films, episodes, or issues in the series. You are required to discuss one graphic novel of your choice.

Star Wars Game of Thrones The Lord of the Rings Buffy the Vampire Slayer The Wizard of Oz Adventure Time Pan’s Labrynth One graphic novel of your choice (required) Spirited Away One additional film, TV show, novel, graphic novel, or game of your choice