London, United Kingdom

Fairy Tales and their Retellings

Why are fairy tales so popular? Why are the original fairy tales darker than the ones we know? This course will give an introduction to 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 students 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. They will learn different approaches of literary analysis, such as comparative criticism and psychoanalysis. The course will include excursions to relevant exhibitions and interactive workshops on storytelling.

The module will introduce students 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. They will learn different approaches of literary analysis, such as comparative criticism and psychoanalysis. The course will include excursions to relevant exhibitions and interactive workshops on storytelling.

Course leader

Dr Georgia Panteli

Target group

This is a level one module (equivalent to first year undergraduate). No prior subject knowledge is required to study this module but students are expected to have a keen interest in the subject area.

Course aim

Upon successful completion of this module, students will:

be confident in the basic principles of comparative studies as well as in the methodology of comparative literature.
have experience in critical analysis of literary texts, films and visual arts using different theoretical approaches such as psychoanalysis and feminist theory.
have developed their knowledge of different literary genres such as myth and fairy tale studies, children’s literature, popular culture and its relation to ideology.
be familiar with the practice of interdisciplinary studies by analysing examples from different fields such as film studies and graphic novel studies.
have expanded their creativity through discussions and interactive workshops on storytelling.

Credits info

7.5 EC
7.5 ECTS / 4 US / 15 UCL

Fee info

GBP 2585: Students joining us for six weeks (two modules) will receive a tuition fee discount.
GBP : Students are welcome to apply for accommodation at a UCL summer residence.