3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

This course explores the wide and weird world of self-published zines (pronounced ZEENS). Defined by Stephen Duncombe, zines are “noncommercial, nonprofessional, small-circulation magazines which their creators produce, publish, and distribute by themselves.” Zines—along with adjacent formats including alternative comics, fanfiction, and underground newspapers—have been staples of subculture for decades, tracing their history to 1930’s science fiction fandom, and encompassing topics from punk rock to critical race studies. By embracing a DIY (do-it-yourself) spirit and subverting traditional publishing, zine creators have amplified voices advocating for social justice by centering topics long considered subversive, forging communities along the fringes, and molding the mainstream. In addition to studying zines through the lens of history, art, critical theory, and cultural studies, students will design and create zines of their own and share them online in a digital format. Whether you’re new to the world of zines, an avid reader of them, or a longtime zinester, all are welcome and no prior experience with the format is required.