Middlebury

FYSE 1029

Worldbuilding and Worldmaking

Worldbuilding and Worldmaking
In this seminar we will survey and critically examine fictional worlds in literature, cinema, and games as well the invention of places, cultures, and shared beliefs in the real world. Worldbuilding synthesizes concepts and stretches our understanding of possible realities through fantastic settings such as Middle-Earth, the Star Wars universe, or Barbie-land. Worldmaking does the same thing in our lived world through the invention of origin-stories, shared symbols and myths, invented traditions, and imagined geographies. Among the questions we will consider are: How do we conceive of coherent places and times? What real world consequences do fictional worlds have on popular beliefs and practices? Students will design their own well-researched and richly detailed worlds during the semester. 3 hrs. sem.
Subject:
First Year Seminar
Department:
First-Year Seminar Program
Division:
Interdisciplinary
Requirements Fulfilled:
CW LIT

Sections

Fall 2024

FYSE1029A-F24 Seminar (Lint Sagarena)

Fall 2022

FYSE1029A-F22 Seminar (Lint Sagarena)

Fall 2021

FYSE1029A-F21 Seminar (Lint Sagarena)

Fall 2003

FYSE1029A-F03 Lecture (Watson)