Worldbuilding: Creating Fantasy Worlds for Writing SELF-Paced
Students will develop fictional worlds, aligned with Common Core standards. Through creative writing and analysis of popular fantasy books and films, students will explore critical elements like geography, economy, culture, law, and more.
What's included
14 pre-recorded lessons
average 12 mins per video14 weeks
of teacher support2 hrs 52 mins
total video learning hours1 year access
to the contentAssignments
4+ hours per week. There are two assignments for each lesson in Lesson 1 through Lesson 13 to reinforce learning with grading rubrics used to facilitate the feedback process. Exemplars are provided along with the grading rubric to inspire learners as they complete their assignments. Lesson 14 has two projects that are detailed below.Projects
Worldbuilding Portfolio: Compile a comprehensive portfolio of all their work throughout the course, including maps, profiles, essays, and other assignments. Write a reflective piece on how their world has evolved and what they learned in the process. 2. Comprehensive Story Outline: Create a detailed outline for a story set in their world, including the main plot, key characters, setting descriptions, and how different worldbuilding elements (economy, politics, religion, etc.) influence the narrative. Grading rubrics and exemplars are provided to guide learners.Assessment
Every lesson contains two assignments that must be submitted for assessment and feedback. Grading rubrics and exemplars are provided for each assignment. The final lesson has two projects that must be submitted for assessment and feedback with the grading rubrics and exemplars provided.Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Beginner - Advanced Level
Course Overview This self-paced course is designed to help teenagers develop their own fictional worlds using a guided worldbuilding method. Fantasy worldbuilding concepts are explored for storytelling purposes via protagonists, antagonists, etc. Examples of strong worldbuilding and storytelling are provided using book excerpts and movie clips from popular fantasy worlds. The basics of worldbuilding are explored in Lesson 1 with Lessons 2 through Lesson 13 covering a different aspect of worldbuilding, encouraging creativity and thoroughness. The concluding Lesson 14 provides an overview of the course concepts. Students will finish the course with an original fantasy world of their own to use in their creative endeavors. Students will complete comprehensive assignments and create detailed unique components of their fantasy world as they progress in the course. This course offers students the opportunity to explore a wide variety of broad topics while developing their world such as mythological creatures, supernatural creatures, economy, geography, leadership, magic systems, laws, religion, politics, defense, assets, goals, enemies, culture, etc. Learning Goals - Understand the basics of worldbuilding and its importance in storytelling. - Learn to develop a comprehensive, immersive world various methods - Apply concepts of geography, culture, politics, economics, law, and more to build a detailed fictional world to use for storytelling and other creative uses. - Develop skills in creative thinking, consistency, and detail-oriented planning. Course Structure The course consists of 14 lessons. Each lesson includes an objective, key points, examples, and an exercise. There are two assignments for each lesson to reinforce learning with grading rubrics used to facilitate the feedback process. Exemplars are provided along with the grading rubric to inspire learners as they complete their assignments. Teacher Interaction - Interactive and Engaging Content - Clear and Concise Explanations - Narrative-Driven Approach - Flexible and Adaptive Learning Paths - Consistent Feedback and Assessment - Supportive and Encouraging Tone - Use of Technology and Tools - Professional and Personable Presentation
Learning Goals
Understand the basics of worldbuilding and its importance in storytelling.Learn to develop a comprehensive, immersive world using various methods.
Syllabus
Standards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)14 Lessons
over 14 WeeksLesson 1:
Fundamentals of Worldbuilding
Understand the basics of worldbuilding and the importance of a structured approach.
Key Points for Worldbuilding
- Introduction to worldbuilding
- Importance of consistency and detail in creating fictional worlds
- Various strategies for worldbuilding
Assignments
- World Concept Outline
- Character Sketches 2 assignments
24 mins of video lessons
Lesson 2:
Defense Strategies In Worldbuilding
Develop the defensive mechanisms of your world.
Key Points for Worldbuilding
- Discuss the role of defense in a fantasy world, including military forces, protection of citizens, and defense strategies.
- Explain why it is crucial to consider defense when building a world to add depth and realism.
- Present key questions to guide the development of defense mechanisms.
Assignments
- Military Organization Chart
- Defense Strategies Plan 2 assignments
11 mins of video lessons
Lesson 3:
Occultism (Magic Systems) in Worldbuilding
Explore the mystical and magical aspects of your world.
Key Points for Worldbuilding
- Explore the role of occultism (magic) in worldbuilding
- Understand the importance of secret societies and their impact on the world
- Create detailed and compelling characters involved in the occult
Assignments
- Create Occult Organization (magical group)
- Character's Personal Occult Journey 2 assignments
6 mins of video lessons
Lesson 4:
Politics in Worldbuilding
Establish the political structure and dynamics.
Key Points for Worldbuilding
- Discuss the role of politics in a fantasy world, including systems of governance, power dynamics, and political conflicts.
- Explain why it is crucial to consider politics when building a world to add depth and realism.
Assignments
- Create a Political System
- Political Ideologies & Parties 2 assignments
7 mins of video lessons
Other Details
Learning Needs
Each lesson has engaging visuals, voice narration, and concise text. Popular fantasy worlds are included as film and book examples to enrich learning.
Parental Guidance
Parental Guidance
Course Content Overview:
In this course, "Worldbuilding for Creative Writing," students will explore the art of creating detailed and immersive fictional worlds. The curriculum includes analyzing and drawing inspiration from various political systems and structures such as monarchy, theocracy, democracy, and dictatorship.
Media Examples from Books, Films, Games:
To enhance the learning experience, the course will feature clips from popular fantasy films, novels, and games, including:
- The Lord of The Rings (films & books)
- Dr. Strange (film)
- The Hobbit (films & books)
- The Hunger Games (films & books)
- Harry Potter (films & books)
- Mulan (animated film)
- The Lion King (animated film)
- Maleficent (film)
- Minecraft (game)
- The Legend of Zelda (game)
- Star Wars (films)
- Avatar: The Last Airbender (animated film)
These clips are used to illustrate examples of worldbuilding, character development, and narrative structure. All content is age-appropriate for students aged 14 to 18.
Sensitive Topics:
While we discuss different political systems and structures in a fictional context, we avoid real-world examples that may touch on sensitive topics such as religion, politics, cultures, and ideologies. The focus remains on creative and fictional application rather than real-world analysis.
Parental Involvement:
Parents are encouraged to review the course content and discuss it with their children. Your involvement can enhance the learning experience and support your child’s creative endeavors.
Pre-Requisites
- Interest in Fantasy Worlds
- Reading (book excerpts from middle school and high school reading levels)
- Research Skills
- Creative Writing Experience
- Organization and Time Management
- Basic Technology Skills
Supply List
computer access internet access no other materials required
Sources
Course Development Sources:
The 4 C's of Worldbuilding by MD Presley article
https://fantasy-hive.co.uk/2021/04/the-four-cs-of-fantasy-worldbuilding-worldbuilding-by-the-numbers/
Free DOPPELGANGER Worldbuilding Method by Icarus Games
https://www.icarus-games.co.uk/product-page/d-o-p-p-e-l-g-a-n-g-e-r
Worldbuilding Media Sources
To enhance the learning experience, the course will feature clips from popular fantasy films, novels, and games, including:
- The Lord of The Rings (films & books)
- Dr. Strange (film)
- The Hobbit (films & books)
- The Hunger Games (films & books)
- Harry Potter (films & books)
- Mulan (animated film)
- The Lion King (animated film)
- Maleficent (film)
- Minecraft (game)
- The Legend of Zelda (game)
- Star Wars (films)
- Avatar: The Last Airbender (animated film)
- Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood (animated film)
Joined June, 2024
Teacher expertise and credentials
3 Teaching Certificates
Missouri Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Georgia Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Georgia Teaching Certificate
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Education from Kennesaw State University
Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Kennesaw State University
Teacher Expertise: See my portfolio at
Education
- Masters of Education in Instructional Technology
- Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education
State Teacher Certification
- Missouri
- Georgia
1. English Language Learning (ELL): Extensive international experience teaching English internationally, focusing on language acquisition and proficiency.
2. Instructional Technology: Proficient in using various educational technologies to create interactive and engaging learning experiences.
3. Curriculum Design: Skilled in developing comprehensive and effective lesson plans and curricula tailored to diverse learning needs.
4. Creative Arts: Expertise in incorporating artistic elements into teaching, making lessons visually appealing and engaging.
5. Fantasy Creative Writing: Knowledgeable in guiding students through the process of creative writing, particularly in the fantasy genre.
6. Inclusive Education: Experience in creating inclusive learning environments that accommodate different cultural contexts and learning styles.
7. Elementary Education: Background in teaching foundational subjects to young learners, with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.
8. Middle & High School Education: Proficient in designing and delivering courses for older learners in middle and high school, focusing on practical applications and skill development.Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$29
weekly14 pre-recorded lessons
14 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Completed by 1 learner
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Ages: 14-18
