Magical Worlds: Creating the Realms Where Stories Take Place (ages 12-16)
Create exciting new magic systems, believable fantasy worlds, realistic space travel, and the culture and people who live in those worlds (this class is for anyone who likes imagining possibilities or who enjoys reading or writing stories).
Annie Downer, MFA
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(102)
What's included
6 live meetings
5 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Magical Worlds is a class for those who enjoy creating cultures, worlds, and magic systems, whether fantasy, science fiction, superhero fiction, magical realism, etc. By the end of the course, students will have created their own magical worlds which they are encouraged to share with the class. Each class will begin with a topic of world-building (for example, government, geography, customs—see below for the specific topics discussed each week). I will ask students to think of examples of made-up story-worlds (for example, the Marvel universe or Middle Earth) and consider how the creator’s choices affected the stories of those worlds. Class will involve student discussion and interaction as students answer questions and brainstorm ideas for the worlds they are creating. Students will complete an in-class assignment which will help them as they create their own world. Each class will end with a brief question and answer session for any questions the students have. Week 1: Magical Worlds Introduction to class and to what makes up magical worlds. Week 2: Geography How environment affects a people group (for example, in warm climates, people often have a slower pace of life than in cold climates) and how that in turn, affects a story. Week 3: Society Social structures, government, education systems, economic systems and how all of those in turn affect a story. Week 4: Culture, History, and Language What is this world’s history? How have the geography and society affected history? How has history affected society? Week 5: Magic Systems We’ll cover the questions every creator should ask about their magic, superpower, or technology systems, for example, “Who can use magic in this world?” “What are my superhero’s limits or weaknesses?” “Can my spaceship travel faster than light?” Week 6: Sharing Our Worlds Students are encouraged to make a short (1 to 5 minute), informal presentation of the world they created so we can all enjoy their work and celebrate together. We’ll also have a final Q&A session.
Learning Goals
Students will learn how to create believable made-up worlds and why world-building is so important to story development. They will also have a lot of fun creating their own made-up world, whether to use in a story or just for fun.
In all my creative writing classes, the main goal is for students to learn confidence in their own writing and to enjoy writing creatively.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
I will guide discussion to make sure it is age appropriate. I will ask students for examples of stories they have read or watched.
Topics covered will include government systems, economic systems, and possibly religious systems (depending on time and students). Discussion will be limited to what works best for a particular story or made-up world. Real-world situations may be mentioned occasionally as examples (for example, how has Korea’s geographic placement affected its history), but again, treatment will be objective and neutral and limited to what works best for a given story-world.
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Supply List
Paper and a writing utensil or a computer for in-class writing exercises. Drawing utensils and a drawing pad (for creating world maps, drawing clothing, etc.). Handouts will be supplied on a class-by-class basis. I will reference some optional Internet resources. The student will not need to access these sites, but they are provided as a resource.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined March, 2020
4.9
102reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in English from Vermont College of Fine Arts
Bachelor's Degree in English from LeTourneau University
I have been writing stories since I was four, including fantasy and science fiction. I have an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults and have taught creative writing at the middle school level. I maintain involvement in the writing community through critique groups, writers’ forums (including one on speculative fiction), conferences, etc. I love giving students opportunities to practice, explore, and learn creative writing.Reviews
Live Group Class
$120
for 6 classes1x per week, 6 weeks
55 min
Completed by 22 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-16
2-6 learners per class
