Reading and Writing Fanfiction (Years 10-13)

This masterclass will introduce students to key critical ideas about fanfiction, drawing on Francesca Coppa's 'Introduction: Five Things that Fanfiction is and one thing it isn't' and Bronwen Thomas' 'What Is Fanfiction and Why Are People Saying Such Nice Things about It'. Students will consider the importance of originality, and how fanfiction connects with ideas about high and low culture. We will consider how subversive fanfiction might be, in particular its potential to rewrite stories to be more inclusive. We will also think about fanfiction communities and the role of technology in breaking down barriers between fans, authors, and readers.

The masterclass has three interactive sections:
1. Defining fanfiction (group activity using critical work provided)
2. Group debate on key questions and issues relating to fanfiction (including gender, representation, ownership, copyright, and taste)
3. Design your own fanfiction (small group activity, based around literary texts of the students’ or teachers’ choice)

The masterclass will engage with students' existing interest in fanfiction, encouraging them to think about the literary texts they are currently encountering from a different perspective. Fan studies is a swiftly growing area of interest in Literature and Cultural Studies; this masterclass provides students with a sample of the innovative topics currently taught at the University of Birmingham.

Additional Information: Schools will be limited to 8 places for this class. Individual bookings can be made by students in Year 12. Please note you may not be allocated all the places you request depending on availability.