Media Arts and Culture

MAAC3087Serials, Franchises and Fandom (O)3 ch (W)
This course explores the history of storytelling and fandom throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Topics include "serialitis" during the silent era of film, merchandising and serial promotion, transmedia franchises, fan-made texts, and the building of fan-communities through ongoing narratives. Media discussed may include dime novels, comic books, film, radio, television, video games, anime, podcasts, and online forums. Open to students who have completed 45 credit hours, or with permission of the instructor.