last call lectures: the philosophy of fandoms: what swifties, sherlockians, and sports fans have in common

fans are more visible—and influential—in the public sphere than ever before. yet with greater cultural prominence has also come greater misunderstanding. dr. samantha close, associate professor of media and popular culture at depaul university, surveys three very different kinds of fandom before focusing in on what they all have in common: a balance between loving something as it is and seeking to transform it into what you want it to be. we will explore fundamental questions about what fans want from their fandom and how different kinds of industry can—and should—relate to them.

dr. close is an expert on digital media and popular culture, with a focus on fandom. you can check out her work at newsweek, vice media, and academic outlets like the international journal of communication, transformative works and cultures, and [in]transition. she is currently working on a book about naruto fandom.

here is how the night runs: dr. close opens with a 45 minute lecture, followed by 15 minutes of live q&a. then we break into small groups for 45 minutes of guided discussion, closing with a 15 minute debrief to bring it all back together. stick around after for mingling, this crowd always has more to say.