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Studies in Feminist Activism

Jenna Freedman made this guide for Kate Drabinski's Studies in Feminism Class at the University of Maryland Baltimore County in the spring of 2021.

Goals

front and back of Bystander Intervention & De-escalation zine by Eleanor WhitneySet the tone for a warm and welcoming space

Listen to understand

Encourage multiple voices to be heard

Recognize different ways of participating

Barnard Zine Library Definition

A zine, short for fanzine or magazine, is a DIY subculture self-publication, usually made on paper and reproduced with a photocopier or printer. Zine creators are often motivated by a desire to share knowledge or experience with people in marginalized or otherwise less-empowered communities.

Nina Nijsten's Definition

Nijsten, Nina. Scissors & Chainsaws No. 2 : Diary Comic Zine Made in July 2020 During International Zine Month. Gent, Belgium: Nina Nijsten, 2020.

Read and Discuss

What Zines Are Like

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

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

Round 1

Round 2

 

In breakout rooms discuss for five 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?
  • Is the zine feminist? Why or why not?

Group share.

How Do YOU Define Zines?

Give a word or phrase that represents an aspect of zines for you.

It's okay to repeat what other people say.