About the Course
What makes a fantasy world feel real in a reader’s mind? How do writers draw and keep readers’ attention while crafting these mythical places? In this course, we will apply geography, cartography, and anthropology to build our own fantasy worlds. We will learn the literary elements of storytelling, paying special attention to characterization, description, conflict, setting, exposition, and aspects of the hero's journey. Along the way, we’ll analyze specific examples from the fantasy genre while developing the tools to compose stories in our newly minted fictional settings. Additional activities may include creating a detailed map of our worlds, constructing profiles of civilizations, and writing short stories featuring heroic characters.
The content in Creating Fantasy Worlds overlaps with the CTY course Fantasy Worldbuilding. Students who have already taken Fantasy Worldbuilding may wish to consult with an enrollment advisor before enrolling in this course.
Learning Objectives
- Speak dynamically about the fantasy genre, noting its conventions, dividing and classifying its various works into subgenres, highlighting developments within the tradition, and assessing any limitations
- Practice multiple prewriting techniques to improve the generative stage of the composition process
- Grow critical reading skills by acquiring new vocabulary germane to literary studies and by nurturing close reading practices
- Develop creative writing skills through interactive activities, composition challenges, and workshopping conferences
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.
Requirements
CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.
Identification DetailsDates and Tuition
Online
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Days: Every Wed for 7 weeks
Times: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Register by: December 15, 2025
Time Commitment:
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
Families will be notified by email of any required materials one week prior to the course start date.
Time commitment: 2.5-3.5 hours per week (1.5 hours of class time, 1-2 hours of independent work). Course will include 6 sessions over 6 weeks.
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Days: Every Wed for 7 weeks
Times: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Register by: February 17, 2026
Time Commitment:
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
Families will be notified by email of any required materials one week prior to the course start date.
Time Commitment: 2.5-3.5 hours per week (1.5 hours of class time, 1-2 hours of independent work). Course will include 6 sessions over 6 weeks.
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