English 240 - From Aliens to Zombies: (Re)Writing Genre Fiction

(Re)Writing Genre Fiction

Spring
2026
01
4.00
Allegra Hyde

M W 10:50 AM - 12:05 PM

Smith College
ENG-240-01-202603
ahyde@smith.edu
“Genre fiction” includes literary traditions such as science fiction, romance, horror, and Westerns—traditions often derided for their formulaic qualities and mass appeal. In recent years, however, authors like C Pam Zhang, Carmen Maria Machado, and N.K. Jemison have reimagined genre fiction to pen groundbreaking contemporary work. In this creative writing class, students strive to do the same. Through short exercises and longer workshopped pieces, students practice bridging classic genre tropes—from alien invasions to zombie hordes—with fresh perspectives. By the semester’s end, students have a portfolio of genre experiments and a toolkit for future explorations. (E)
Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.
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