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Big Problems: Making Sense of 2020

This guide is for the zine component of the Big Problems class, developed by Pam Cobrin, Cecelia Lie-Spahn, Laurie Postlewate, and Wendy Schor-Haim, with section discussions led by writing and speaking fellows.

Agreements

front and back of Bystander Intervention & De-escalation zine by Eleanor Whitney

Introduction to Us

Name

Pronouns (if you wish)

Favorite office supply

Read and Discuss

What Zines Are Like

Skim a zine for three minutes and then switch, for four rounds. You will not be able to read these zines in their entirety.

[Content: curse words, sexuality, nudity, violence]

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

  1. Spring - Femmes Unite #2
  2. Summer - Yell Zine #3
  3. Fall - Asian American Feminist Antibodies
  4. Winter - Dream Passport... to a Future World

Round 4

  1. Spring - Yell Zine #3
  2. Summer - Asian American Feminist Antibodies
  3. Fall - Dream Passport... to a Future World
  4. Winter - Femmes Unite #2

In breakout rooms discuss for 5-8 minutes:

  • Did one or more of the zines have an impact on you? On the creator?
  • How do the zines document their time?
  • How do the zine images complement or complicate the text?
  • How does a zine communicate knowledge or mastery of its topic?
    • Which students might flourish making a zine in a way they don't in a research paper?
    • Are learning styles also performing styles?
    • How would you grade a zine?

Group share.

Zines Are

Zines, as defined by workshop participants.

Go around with everyone saying one word or phrase that defines zines. Words and phrases can be repeated.