The objective of this course is to analyze the literature of fanfiction in combination with the historical and social conventions that created the subgenre and culture surrounding it. We will be exploring the definition of fanfiction from Greek epics and Shakespeare through to the literature of Web 2.0 and websites like LiveJournal and Archive of Our Own in the 21st century. We will investigate participatory culture through the viewpoint of fanfiction, with a focus on gender, LGBTQIA+ identities, social norms and their rejection, intimacy, and community building. This course will also serve as an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of Fan Studies and introduce students to some of the canonical core texts in the field.

The class is structured into 4 historical units that intersect with core themes of fanfiction and fan studies, and students will be reading and discussing both primary texts (fanfiction works) and secondary texts (scholarly writing around fandom). The class time itself will be primarily discussion based, with short lectures.

Grading
This class will be graded on a Pass/No Pass system and those who pass will be rewarded with two units in English 198. The grade will be based upon satisfactory completion of 70% of the following:

- Attendance & Participation – 40%
- Weekly Reading Responses – 30% (one sentence is fine! These will just be used to guide discussion)
- Final Project - 30%

Acceptance into this course will be application based, and all applicants must attend the first info session on January 25th in order to enroll.