Fairy Tales and their Retellings

About

Why are fairy tales so popular?

Why are the original fairy tales darker than the ones we know?

This module will introduce different forms of storytelling, exploring the origins and evolution of fairy tales with a focus on contemporary retellings.

A variety of fairy tales will be examined, ranging from ancient myths and medieval storytelling tradition to Disney’s adaptations and TV series such as Once Upon a Time and Grimm.

The module will introduce you to different literary genres, such as children’s literature (by looking into how children’s novels such as Alice in Wonderland and The Adventures of Pinocchio have been retold) and graphic novel studies.

You will learn different approaches of literary analysis, such as comparative criticism and psychoanalysis.

The module will include excursions to relevant exhibitions and interactive workshops on storytelling.

Week one
Origins and Evolution: Italy, France, Germany, Denmark
Fairy Tales, Romanticism and the Concept of Childhood
The Structure of the Fairy Tale

Week two
Myths and Symbols: the Semiotics of Fairy Tales
Readings, Retellings and Interpretations
Postmodern Retellings of Fairy Tales
Feminist Retellings of Fairy Tales

Week three
Fairy Tales in Film and TV
The Disney Legacy
Retellings of Fairy Tales in Graphic Novels

Course leader

Dr Georgia Panteli

Course aim

This module aims to:

- Familiarise you with the practice and methodology of comparative literature.
- Help you to become acquainted with the genres of fairy tales, children’s literature, film and graphic novels, and to approach and analyse texts critically and with confidence.

Fee info