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 Autumn 2023
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
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Activate your university account
The first step in being able to register and gain access to all the university's IT services.
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Register at your department
Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.
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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Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.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 the department - courses
Welcome to our department!
We look forward to welcoming you to our department in the autumn. Course information, as well as other information ahead of the start of term (such as registration dates), is available on the course sites.
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.
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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
Information on registration autumn 2023
Registration
If you are admitted and have accepted an offer of a place, please note that you also need to register in August. Registration is mandatory and will be open in Ladok for admitted students between 7 and 15 August. You need to register on time to confirm and keep your place.
Registration is done online. Once you have an activated university account, you can register online through Ladok if you are accepted to the course without conditions.
If you are conditionally admitted, the conditions have to be fulfilled in order to register and start the course. Contact our Student Affairs Office when registration opens, and no later than 11 August, if you have questions.
Athena
After registration or before the course starts, you will get access to Stockholm university's web-based learning platform Athena where course material from teachers will be made available. You use the same login details on Athena as for your university account.
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Course structure
Course description:
Possible Worlds and Fictional Worlds, HT23 (pdf) (74 Kb)
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
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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
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Contact
Teacher: Bo G. Ekelund
Student Affairs Office
- Visiting address
Södra huset, room E882
Universitetsvägen 10 E, 8th Floor
In conjunction with the start of term we receive many emails and it will take longer for us to reply. However, on our web, there is information about all our courses for the autumn term 2023, as well as answers to frequently asked questions.
- Office hours
Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11.00 - 12.00.
- Phone hours
Mondays and Wednesdays, 10.00 - 11.00.
