Zoe Fraade-­‐Blanar

Sleepy kitten videos, reaction gifs, and top-­‐10 lists: digital junk
food or vital component of modern sharing society? Memes target the
parts of our brain that evolved for communal survival and hijack them
for their own selfish ends, replicating and spreading without concern
for the welfare of their hosts. This class explores the origins of
viral phenomenon and contagious cultural units, from their religious
beginnings at the dawn of humanity to their new-­‐found proliferation on
the internet. Through readings, discussions, and short and long-­‐form
assignments we will try our hands at using viral strategies for
political purposes, advocacy, marketing, social interaction, and
personal gain. Memes help us express ourselves and feel like part of
a group, but they can just as easily lead to trolling, witch-­‐hunting,
and bandwagon journalism. Let’s investigate the good, the bad, and the
adorable.