Issue 101: Back to Basics

cover by 2013

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Cable Entertainment, by stills

Even Vanilla Is An Achievement For Some People, by Kit Miller

Blackmail Boyfriend, by juou no zan (女王のザン) *

And There Was Only One Bed, by Clowderforce

Capitalism Breeds Innovation, by Cowboy Rider

ISO, by Torino Koji

It’s Hard to Say “I Do” When You Don’t, by shukyou (主教) *

*illustrated

Viola Sororia, by The Winter Cynic

Seeing Stars, by Taki no Me (滝 の め)

Angel Food Cake, by The Winter Cynic

Overbooked at the Chess Meet, by Iron Eater

~*~

S2B2 101 – Back to Basics (Spring 2023)

Instructor: Your Editors
Class meetings: Asynchronous, Online

Course Description and Objectives
This seminar is an introduction to queer literature through the lens of Shousetsu Bang*Bang, a webzine for original works of romantic and erotic fiction that has been publishing issues since 2005. Throughout this course, students will study multiple traditional tropes, some of which are still familiar and active, others of which students may not have seen in a long time. Through an examination of these tropes in both prose and visual media, this course will consider queer and genderqueer experiences of relationships, embodiment, temporality, and erotic exchange in a critical light.

After completing this course, students will have a working understanding of the nature and philosophy of Shousetsu Bang*Bang, as well as a greater appreciation for its historical development and cultural impact.

Course Requirements
There are no prerequisites for this course. However, interested parties are strongly encouraged to have a background in the subject, preferably through some of the previous offerings in this department.

Required Texts
There are seven required texts for this course, as well as seven art labs, some of which overlap with the texts. All course materials are free and available through the archive. For a complete reading list, see above.

Grading
Students will be evaluated on a traditional citrus scale.

Extra credit will be offered in one of two ways: 1) Leave comments for the artists and authors whose work you appreciated; 2) Share links to the issue and/or specific contents on social media.

(For summaries, creators’ notes, and more, we would usually tell you to see this issue’s entry on the Shousetsu Bang*Bang wiki. In the interim, however, please visit the relevant Google Doc of contributor commentary for similar content.)