The concept of fandom has been an important topic for media studies for decades. However, practices of consuming and interacting with media that were once marks of fan “subcultures” are increasingly mainstream. How and why are attitudes towards fandom shifting? This class will consider these questions from a critical making perspective, allowing us to see fandom as both artistic practices and ideological criticism. We will examine a wide range of fandoms—from media franchises to antiquing and many things in between. In our exploration, we will discuss the changing legal discourse on fandom; media producers’ varying approaches to fans; and fandom as cultural production. You don’t have to be a superfan to engage with the course, but if you are interested in a particular fan community or consider yourself a fan, you are encouraged to bring your fandom to the class. [Tracks C, M]