‘Spies and Assassins in Fiction through the Ages’ offers a closer look at the changing world of espionage stories over the last century and beyond. Through the lens of this gripping genre, we will also learn modes of analysing different forms of narrative, employing techniques from close reading to the consideration of narrative arcs and patterns.
The course will begin with an introduction to the historical context and development of the spy genre in the nineteenth and early twentieth century. We will consider how spy fiction is constructed in novels as well as film and TV. Taking some classic works as examples, the course will look at patterns that recur across spy fiction, from certain plot shapes to character types, and how these have changed over the last century.
Spy fiction combines ideological battles and international politics. But it also rests on the tensions of disguise, deception, and decipherment, as well as the more fundamental human drives of loyalty, betrayal, and revenge. This course will consider the ways in which time and space are manipulated in spy fiction to increase narrative drive or to disclose hidden details to the reader or viewer. Because time and space are fundamental to human experience and story construction, the discussion of these themes will also enhance your analytical understanding of narrative more generally, with a look at some key theorists on the topics. We will also focus on the question of perspective in spy fiction, a question that is particularly crucial to this genre because of its focus on politics, morality, and point of view. Who is telling the story and how morality is constructed significantly colours our experience as readers and viewers.
This course will offer a behind-the-scenes view of the intricacies of this thrilling genre, giving both an overview and an in-depth analysis of patterns and developments in spy fiction across the ages.
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes for this course are:
- To gain a deeper understanding of trends and techniques common to spy fiction
- To learn about the history and background of spy fiction, considering different works in their historical and contemporary contexts
- To gain ability in modes of analysis in different forms of narrative, both with the skills of close readings and broader consideration of narrative arcs and tropes
Classes
1. Introduction to spy fiction: its history and context
2. Time: how tension is manipulated
3. Space: what setting tells us about the story
4. Perspective: whose side are we on and why does it matter?
5. Themes and patterns: closing discussion of trends and changes in spy fiction
Required reading
Joseph Conrad, The Secret Agent (London: Penguin, 2007)
John le Carré, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (London: Penguin Classics, 2010)
Typical week: Monday to Friday
For each week of study you select a morning (Am) and an afternoon (Pm) course, each course has five sessions, one each day Monday to Friday. The maximum class size is 25 students. Your weekly courses are complemented by a series of two daily plenary lectures, exploring new ideas in a wide range of disciplines. To add to the learning experience, we are also planning additional evening talks and events.
| c.8.00am-9.00am |
Breakfast in College (for residents) |
| 9.00am-10.30am |
Am Course |
| 11.15am-12.30pm |
Plenary Lecture |
| 12.30pm-1.45pm |
Lunch |
| 1.45pm-3.15pm |
Pm Course |
| 4.00pm-5.15pm |
Plenary Lecture |
| c.6.00/6.15pm-7.15/7.30pm |
Dinner in College (for residents) |
| c.7.30pm onwards |
Evening talk/event |
Evaluation and Academic Credit
If you are seeking to enhance your own study experience, or earn academic credit from your Cambridge Summer Programme studies at your home institution, you can submit written work for assessment for one or more of your courses.
Essay questions are set and assessed against the University of Cambridge standard by your Course Director, a list of essay questions can be found in the Course Materials. Essays are submitted two weeks after the end of each course, so those studying for multiple weeks need to plan their time accordingly. There is an evaluation fee of £65 per essay.
For more information about writing essays see Evaluation and Academic Credit.
Certificate of attendance
A certificate of attendance will be sent to you electronically within a week of your courses finishing.
