For this assignment, create a zine related to the issues discussed in Section II of this course.
A zine has roots in the punk scene and various other underground/independent arts scenes.
They serve as a way to connect musicians with fans and other like-minded individuals and
provide a forum to discuss important cultural and political issues, share resources, and
critique larger social and political systems. Oftentimes these zines were hand drawn,
photocopied and distributed at concerts and by mail.
PICK ONE TOPIC FROM THE LIST
Possible topics include the following (not exhaustive):
• Women’s engagement with sex and sexuality, narrowed by focusing on race, genre, or how
it manifests in video
• Expressions of camp and their social and political significance
• Women’s engagement with Afrofuturism, narrowed by choosing a small number of
examples or focusing on one artist in particular
• The politics of image, how it relates to sex and sexuality, politics, social issues, or subverts
cultural norms. Could be narrowed by focusing on one particular genre, time period, or
contrasting how the politics of image varies across genre
• Branding and pop; how major labels and the Lifecycle Model influence the careers of
women pop stars.
Rather than simply summarize all of the issues we discussed, narrow your focus to one topic
in order to discuss the topic in a meaningful manner. This list is not exhaustive. If you are
unsure of your overall theme or have an idea not listed above email Dr. Taylor for guidance.
PART 1: LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
– This should serve as an introduction and summarize the main theme and content of
your zine
– Your letter should immediately follow the front cover and be approximately 300
words
PART 2: Artist Spotlight
– Choose an artist from the Artist Spotlight Suggestions handout who relates to your
theme and describe their work/contributions and how it relates to the theme chosen
– • This should not be a straightforward summary of their biography.
– • If you have an artist in mind who is not included on the handout feel free to email
Dr. Taylor to seek approval
– Approximately 1 page or 600 words, typed, and single spaced
– The spotlight can come anywhere between your Letter and Closing Remarks
– Your entire zine does not have to revolve around this artist. This page is an
opportunity to discuss one woman related to your theme in a meaningful manner.
Feel free to incorporate other women we have discussed in class on the other pages
of your zine.
PART 3: Choose 4 from the following list to create for the assignment: (I included an
example for you to see the required length for each of these)
– Top 10 list – (ie. top 10 favourites, grievances, or important moments in music history)
-Statistics related to your theme
– Advice Column with resources
– Historical timelines related to your theme
– Music Review
– Critiques of images from other publications
If you choose to include a Top 10 list, Timeline, or Statistics be sure to provide brief
explanations for your choices. Simply listing a number of women musicians or statistics
without explanation or context will lower your mark.
PART 4: Closing Remarks
-Approximately 200-300 words
– This should effectively summarize your zine
PART 5: Following closing remarks) should be a bibliography
– Any format is permitted
– The bibliography should contain 4-5 sources, two of which must be academic/scholarly
• The publisher will often be a University, journal articles will be peer reviewed, and the
authors will typically hold a PhD.
– Do not use Wikipedia.
– Required Readings can be used
– Any quotes or statistics can be cited with in-text citations or footnotes
********List of what to complete:
– Letter from the editor (300 words)
– Artist Spolightlight (600 words)
– Choose 4 of the following: Around 500 words each
-Top 10 list followed by explanation of why it is important
-Statistics related to your theme
– Advice Column with resources
– Historical timelines related to your theme
-Music Review
-Critiques of images from other publications
– Closing Remarks (200-300 words)
– Bibliography
