ENGL 12
D.I.Y. Publications: Paper, Print, and Power Winter 2023

This is not the current course catalog

Like most western institutions, the field of traditional publishing has been, and continues to be deeply shaped by power dynamics that more often than not leave out the voices of the most marginalized members of society. Zines, chapbooks, artist books, blogs, and other “do-it-yourself” (D.I.Y.) forms of publication have served as mechanisms of communication, expression, and community building that give voice to marginalized creators. Through engagement with readings, discussion, local field trips, and items in the libraries’ collection, this course will explore the historical and social dynamics that have shaped the current landscape of D.I.Y. publishing. At the same time, this course will provide space and resources for students of all skill levels and backgrounds to develop their own practical publishing skills, from content generation to production and distribution. As a culminating project, students will complete one or more D.I.Y. publications of their own design, submitted with a short reflection paper. Class time (three 2-hour sessions per week) will be split between shared experiences, discussion of weekly themes presented in the reading, and hands on time exploring different methods that can be utilized in the creation of their own publication. Enrolled students will be expected to complete reading and additional studio/lab time outside of class, not expected to exceed 15 hours per week.