You have been assigned to create an artwork (media or writing) about the Coronavirus due on April 22 via Canvas. This work can take any form and can be of any length and focus; however, it would be nice if you created a work in the genre of science fiction (not required). You can create a video, first person journal, podcast/audio work, speculative fiction writing, political essay, critical essay, animation, video journal, etc. Please be in touch with me if you have questions and/or if you’d like to bounce ideas off of me. I will be available via email, phone and/or Zoom conferences.

Research Method

Please follow these  research method for this project:

1. Read widely. Read as many of the articles on the subject as possible. I have included several on the Canvas syllabus, but there are many more you can access online. If you are interested in a specific angle and are having a difficult time finding references, please contact me so we can brainstorm ideas. 

2. Read theoretical articles in the COURSE READINGS tab that analyze Science Fiction (SF) and Speculative Fiction. I will be adding articles to this folder on a weekly basis.

3. Listen to podcasts and radio on the pandemic. Watch videos and media analysis.

4. Content Analysis. Watch and analyze as much media (films, audio, video, social media, etc) that deal with pandemics, viral outbreaks, zombies, etc. as you can. See the list of films on the syllabus and research media online.

5. Take copious notes. Establish documents and folders for this project. Take notes on EVERYTHING you read and analyze. Be an active researcher and relate your research to your creative project.

As you assess the issues at hand, please be as creative and free as possible. You are all independent thinkers and creators and this is your opportunity to use your creativity to do interesting work about these uncertain times.

NOTE: You can use any method you choose. These are guidelines for you to follow and/or to deviate from. If you are having problems completing this project, do not stress about it. Rather, please contact and communicate with me directly.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/27/opinion/sunday/coronavirus-climate-change.html?referringSource=articleShare

https://www.eurozine.com/we-created-this-beast/

https://truthout.org/articles/beyond-the-economic-chaos-of-coronavirus-is-a-global-war-economy/

https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/5dmqyk/naomi-klein-interview-on-coronavirus-and-disaster-capitalism-shock-doctrine

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/24/covid-19-climate-crisis-governments-coronavirus

https://prospect.org/coronavirus/american-farmworkers-essential-but-unprotected/

https://embeds.audioboom.com/publishing/playlist/v4?boo_content_type=channel&data_for_content_type=4937666#Mike%20Davis:%20The%20Coronavirus–Politics%20vs.%20Science;%20plus%20Rebecca%20Solnit%20on%20Becoming%20a%20Feminist

https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/otm/segments/infectious-disease-hold-societies-really-are-on-the-media