The Imaginary and the Actual: Possible Worlds and Fictional Worlds
This course will consider a number of narratives from different periods with a focus on the relations between the fictional and the actual, what exists and what may exist, with the help of theories of possible worlds and of fictionality. To analyze literature in terms of fictional worlds implies a different approach than the conventional one characterized by close reading and interpretation. It leads to different questions: instead of asking, what does this novel mean? we will ask, what kind of world is built by this text? That sort of questioning will force us to consider what we mean by a “world” in the first place. We will read a number of literary works whose distinctive fictional worlds claim a reality at least in our ability to imagine what is not the case.
Central concepts: Possible worlds; fictionality; referentiality; spatiality; utopia/dystopia, novum
Information for admitted students spring 2025
Congratulations! You have been admitted at Stockholm University and we hope that you will enjoy your studies with us.
In order to ensure that your studies begin as smoothly as possible we have compiled a short checklist for the beginning of the semester.
Follow the instructions on whether you have to reply to your offer or not.
universityadmissions.se
Checklist for admitted students
-
Activate your university account
The first step in being able to register and gain access to all the university's IT services.
-
Register at your department
Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.
-
Read all the information on this page
Here you will find what you need to know before your course or programme starts.
IMPORTANT
Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.
Information from your department
On this page you will shortly find information on registration, learning platform, etc.
Welcome activities
Stockholm University organises a series of welcome activities that stretch over a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. The programme is voluntary (attendance is optional) and includes Arrival Service at the airport and an Orientation Day, see more details about these events below.
Your department may also organise activities for welcoming international students. More information will be provided by your specific department.
Find your way on campus
Stockholm University's main campus is in the Frescati area, north of the city centre. While most of our departments and offices are located here, there are also campus areas in other parts of the city.
Read more
For new international students
This course will consider a number of narratives from different periods with a focus on the relations between the fictional and the actual, what exists and what may exist, with the help of theories of possible worlds and of fictionality. To analyze literature in terms of fictional worlds implies a different approach than the conventional one characterized by close reading and interpretation. It leads to different questions: instead of asking, what does this novel mean? we will ask, what kind of world is built by this text? That sort of questioning will force us to consider what we mean by a “world” in the first place. We will read a number of literary works whose distinctive fictional worlds claim a reality at least in our ability to imagine what is not the case.
Central concepts: Possible worlds; fictionality; referentiality; spatiality; utopia/dystopia, novum
-
Course structure
Course description:
Possible Worlds and Fictional Worlds, HT23 (pdf) (74 Kb)
Course description for VT25 will follow.
Teaching format
The teaching comprises seminars. Active participation is expected from students in all teaching formats in order to pass the examination. Students will often work with different tasks and assignments during the seminars in preparation for the examination. Apart from scheduled teaching, time will be spent reading course literature and completing mandatory assignments.
Assessment
Written essays.
Examiner
-
Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course. -
Course reports
-
Contact
Teacher: Bo G. Ekelund
Student Affairs Office
- Visiting address
Södra huset, room E882
Universitetsvägen 10 E, 8th Floor
- Office hours
Regular office hours: Mondays and Wednesdays, 11.00 - 12.00.
- Phone hours
Mondays and Wednesdays, 10.00 - 11.00.
- Irregular office hours
The Student Affairs Office is closed for the holidays from 21 December 2024 to 1 January 2025.
