The University of Chicago Summer
The Power of Fantasy: Advanced Critical Writing and Analysis

The Power of Fantasy: Advanced Critical Writing and Analysis


Course Status: Pre-College Registration: Jan 2026

Applications for Pre-College courses will open in early January. We encourage you to review the courses offered below. Remember: you can select up to 3 in your application. We look forward to seeing you!

Course Description

Is fantasy really just an “escape” from reality, or might it actually provide us new ways of understanding and reimaging our world and our sense of self? From literature and film to the visual and performing arts, fantasy remains one of the most powerful and popular forms. Where does this power come from?

This intensive course in advanced critical writing at the collegiate level will offer a chance to analyze great works of fantasy, think through these questions, and craft nuanced essays that explore the meaning and power of fantasy. We will read literary works including stories by Jorge Luis Borges, Ursula K. Le Guin, HP Lovecraft, and Nnedi Okorafor alongside an overlooked but exciting novel by pre-Harlem Renaissance writer Pauline Hopkins; we will watch and discuss films spanning from The Lord of the Rings and Indiana Jones to The Black Panther and Inception; we will analyze visual art, including the imaginary realms of Surrealism; and we will investigate the construction of immersive fantasy spaces, from the highly commericial (like Disneyland) to “alternative” spaces (like Burning Man or Meow Wolf).

In our writing sessions, students will work in small groups to develop and refine the techniques of writing and revision that allow you to transform your ideas and insights into powerful essays, using rhetorical instruction materials and workshops that replicate the intensive writing seminars taken by University of Chicago undergraduates.

Writing Intensive
Students will be required to write at least 3 essays or papers during the duration of the course.
Discussion Intensive
The majority of class time will be devoted to seminar-style learning.

Academic Interest

Examining Culture and Society, Humanities (e.g, arts, literature, philosophy)

Application Materials

A complete application includes a transcript, two short essays, a letter of recommendation, writing sample, application fee, and a submitted parent confirmation. If you are seeking need-based financial aid, you must indicate that in your application before it is submitted. Please refer to the Application Instructions for complete details.

Instructor(s)

Michael Subialka

Cost

$9,300

Need-based financial aid is available. Students should refer the Costs & Aid page and apply for aid when they submit their application to Summer Session.

Session

Session 1

Arrival & Departure Dates

June 13th - July 3rd

Course Dates

June 15th - July 2nd

Class Time

9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Eligibility

9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade

Course Code

HUMA 20904 30

Modality

Residential

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