[MUSIC] Hello and welcome, here we have arrived at what might appear to be the most recognizable expression of the fandom framework we've been developing, geek culture. We're talking about comic books, fantasy and science fiction, comic conventions, fan fiction, transformative works, cosplay, all of that stuff. We'll explore how some of the major figures in fantasy and science fiction, and in this era, have expressed and articulated their relationship to their genres, and also their approach to world building. We're talking about J.R.R Tolkien, Ursula, K Le Guin, Octavia E Butler and more. We're not really going to focus on defining some of these things. Most so I think we'll spend our time working on collaborative making together. And in this I'm following the lead of Tolkien himself, who in his important essay on fairy stories talks about the deficiencies of definition in this area. I can actually read a passage really quick coz I have it right here, have the essay right here. Let's see if I can find out. Here we go. The definition of a fairy-story, what it is, or what it should be, does not, then depend on any definition or historical account of elf or fairy, but upon the nature of Faerie capital F, Faerie, the Perilous Realm itself, and in the air that blows in that country. I will not attempt to define that, nor to describe it directly. It cannot be done. Faerie cannot be caught in a net of words, for it is one of its qualities to be indescribable, though not imperceptible. It has many ingredients, but analysis will not necessarily discover the secret of the whole. I love that sense of analysis, not being enough to discover the secret of the whole. We've done a lot of analysis together across this experience, and my hope is that you'll do a whole lot more afterwards as well. But what we've also done, is try to open up a space where feeling and experience can be put in conversation with analysis. This is really some of the work of the skills frameworks that we've developed. The self reflection, and awareness framework, and the close reading, and analysis framework represent opportunities to bring those two things into harmony, in a single set of skills that you can apply to encounters you have with fandom and popular culture. I want to introduce a notion to capture some of that inter mixing of feeling, and fandom, and analysis, and interpretation. I call it the fandom imaginary. The fandom imaginary is a thread that weaves together a lot of the different evolutions of identity and community, that we've talked about across our experience together, ranging from social media, and influencer culture, and engagement online, to the collective and communal empowerment that's possible through popular music. At its core, fandom is animated by the energy that's created when individuals come together to form networks, and then take action within those networks. Our shared love of the escape of the fantastical or the assumption of a new identity, our shared love in those things is precisely what binds us together and grounds us in the real world of our communities. This, I think, is the alchemy of the fandom imaginary, and it's something that will unpack together. But we'll also be taking a look at some of the toxic elements of fandom in the digital age. For as much as we've seen models of individual and collective empowerment and positive impact coming out of fandom, there is also a toxic negativity that's part of the experience of fandom in the digital age. These two things exist together, and we have to acknowledge them as such. Throughout, will be applying our skills frameworks continually, as we have been, to new case studies, new ideas, new topics, continuing to refine them as tools that can help us interpret the world around us. And articulate those interpretations clearly and professionally. Here will also be pursuing a few high level learning outcomes. Define and describe the dynamics of geek culture, fantasy, science fiction, comic books, graphic novels, et., as well as its relationships to fandom, popular culture and digital media. Apply critical self reflection and close reading frameworks through analytical writing and creative expression. Engage with pop culture and fandom communities by leveraging online platforms to make connections and synthesize learning. Reflect on your personal relationship to geek culture and these topics, and how popular culture intersects with memory and nostalgia. Here we continue our exploration of what it means to engage online as a fan, as a critical thinker, and as a member of one or more interconnected communities. Thank you
