Tolkien and Lewis, Pratchett and Salvatore, Martin and Burroughs, and, of course, such recent authors as Rowling and Riordan, are all splendid examples of the fantasy genre, the focus of this course.  Over four weeks, we will explore character creation, worldbuilding, and the birth of a new fantastic reality from its roots.  Together, we will create a fantasy setting and add heroes and heroines, kingdoms and their inhabitants, magic, monsters, and even geography.  Everyone is asked to bring an open and imaginative mind, and a willingness to be actively creative.

Ryan is a student of psychology and English at the University of Minnesota, and is a fantasy, comic book, and role playing group enthusiast. He is currently working on a collection of fantasy and sci-fi short stories with a group of peers.