About the Course
This course transports readers to magical worlds where animals speak, toys come to life, and eccentric characters perform seemingly impossible feats. Worlds turn upside down, and the familiar becomes the unknown. Explore classic and contemporary texts to learn the traits that characterize modern fantasy. Venture into extraordinary places like Middle-earth in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit , and witness the incredible adventures of unlikely heroes, like those in Kate DiCamillo's The Tale of Desperaux . In this workshop-style course, read, discuss, and reflect upon what these whimsical worlds tell us about our own. Respond to modern fantasy texts in a variety of written assignments, including literary analysis and reflective writing. Armed with your newly developed understanding of the genre and an appreciation of its nuances, you will then craft your own works of fantasy.
Typical Class Size: 14-16
Learning Objectives
- Using classic and contemporary texts as models, identify the traits that characterize modern fantasy
- Examine themes in modern fantasy literature and respond to modern fantasy texts in a variety of written assignments, including literary analysis and reflective writing
- Craft original works of modern fantasy that incorporate understanding of the genre
- Engage in the writing workshop process, editing and revising work based on feedback from your instructor, program assistant, and peers
About Advanced Enrichment courses
These courses offer above-grade-level material that is presented in a novel context, explored with other advanced learners, and guided by a CTY educator to help prepare students for higher-order thinking and college-style academic challenges. Students work individually and may finish the course early if they complete all requirements before the course end date.
Requirements
CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.
Identification DetailsDates and Tuition
In Person
Speyer School
New York, NY
Day Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 21, 2026
Full Waitlist Available
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
The Black Cauldron, by Lloyd Alexander
The Golden Compass, by Philip Pullman
The Goose Girl, by Shannon Hale
Inkheart, by Cornelia Funke
The Hobbit, by J. R. R. Tolkien
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 8, 2026
Full Waitlist Available
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
The Black Cauldron, by Lloyd Alexander
The Golden Compass, by Philip Pullman
The Goose Girl, by Shannon Hale
Inkheart, by Cornelia Funke
The Hobbit, by J. R. R. Tolkien
Gilman School
Baltimore, MD
Day Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 8, 2026
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
The Black Cauldron, by Lloyd Alexander
The Golden Compass, by Philip Pullman
The Goose Girl, by Shannon Hale
Inkheart, by Cornelia Funke
The Hobbit, by J. R. R. Tolkien
Registration Fee and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.
Learn more about Financial Aid