By the end of the seminar, students will have:Gained foundational understanding of media fandom, fan studies and qualitative research methodsDesigned, conducted, and reflected on an independent small-scale research project in fan studiesEngaged with ethical considerations and challenges in researching fan communitiesPracticed qualitative data collection, analysis and interpretationDeveloped collaboration and (academic) presentation skillsSynthesized their findings into a final seminar paper that demonstrates critical thinking and methodological rigor

Workshop-style sessions with short input lectures, guided discussions, hands-on research exercises, student presentations, and (peer) feedback sessions.

Whether it’s cosplayers meticulously crafting and performing their costumes, fan fiction writers expanding (or rewriting) beloved narratives, or sports enthusiasts building entire online communities around player statistics and strategies – fandom is a powerful cultural force, and fans must be understood not as passive consumers but active participants who interpret, transform, and even resist the narratives they engage with (cf. Jenkins 1992). Fan studies as an interdisciplinary field thus examines these forms of engagement and the social, cultural, and political meanings they produce. Whether it’s analyzing fan activism, online communities, or creative fan productions - researchers seek to understand how audiences actively negotiate their relationship with media, and what fandom reveals about broader cultural and societal dynamics.In this seminar, we will explore the vibrant world of media fandom and the ways in which fans engage with, transform, and challenge popular culture. More specifically, this course introduces students to the study of fans through qualitative research methods. Because fan cultures are deeply personal and communal by nature, qualitative research methods such as interviews, ethnography, or discourse analyses offer highly effective tools for capturing their complexity. By exploring how to engage with fan communities ethically, conduct fieldwork, and analyze fan practices, students will develop the skills to examine fandom as a dynamic cultural and social phenomenon that extends far beyond individual media consumption.Topics include: Introduction to Fan Studies (seminal texts, theories, key debates), research design, qualitative methods, interviewing fans and community members, digital ethnography and online fandom, discourse analysis and fan texts, fieldwork strategies and challenges, ethical consideration, data interpretation and academic presentations.

Please mind the prerequisites according to your curriculum.

All literature/texts will be made available on Moodle or is to be found at the library of the university

This class is structured as a workshop-style seminar in which students work in teams to develop their research projects, report on their progress, and receive continuous feedback. By the end of the semester, students will have completed their research and presented their findings in a final presentation and seminar paper.There are four pillars of assessment:Active participation, contributions, and presentations during the semester (20%) – Engaging in discussions, completing in-class exercises and homework, and presenting interim research results.Research portfolio/diary (30%) – A structured documentation of the research process, including notes and reflections on the experience of fieldwork as well as responses to exercises.Final research presentation (20%) – A group presentation summarizing key findings and methodological insights.Seminar paper (30%) – An academic paper (min. 4000 words) that presents and interprets the conducted study and contextualizes it within fan studies.A positive grade in all pillars of assessment is necessary to successfully complete this proseminar.More details on requirements will be presented during the introductory session.

All contents/topics from classes and additional readings as announced

Participation & Contributions: Engagement in discussions, critical reflection on readings, preparation of oral reports and presentations, meaningful contribution to peer feedback.Research Portfolio: Completeness, depth of reflection, integration of theoretical and methodological insights.Final Presentation: Clarity, coherence, engagement with audience, ability to communicate research findings effectively.Seminar Paper: Logical structure, depth of analysis, engagement with literature, methodological rigor, proper citation practices, adherence to academic writing standards.General remark on plagiarism/ code of conduct/ AI:Please refer to the department’s policy on plagiarism and its code of conduct. Also be aware that the use of any form of generative AI for assignments and papers is strictly forbidden. Students who do not adhere to these rules will be removed from class immediately.