Agata Zarzycka Seminarium magisterskie 2017/2018 Macki! Mythos Cthulhu H. P. Lovecrafta a narracja transmedialna Tentacles! H. P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos and Transmedial Storytelling The goal of the seminar is to introduce students to transmedia storytelling as a theoretical framework and a source of analytical tools for analyzing texts of culture. Henry Jenkins defines transmedia storytelling as “a process where integral elements of a fiction get dispersed systematically across multiple delivery channels for the purpose of creating a unified and coordinated entertainment experience” (n. p.). Thus, the concept enables critical exploration of the simultaneous engagement of multiple means of expression and channels of distribution in the functioning of a given narrative. Moreover, thanks to its theoretical flexibility, transmedia storytelling is useful in considerations of economic, social and political contexts shaping such a narrative and its cultural impact. The theoretical dimension of the course, relevant as a source of critical tools applicable in students’ individual MA projects, will be balanced by an exemplary practical analysis of the storyworld based on the Cthulhu mythos, based on the fiction of H. P. Lovecraft. This case study will help us confront such subjects as the transmedial potential of the source text; relationships between transmediality, intertextuality and adaptation; transformative potential of transmedial storytelling (with a special emphasis on specific media, such as music and games); and participatory involvement of audiences in transmedial storytelling. Thus, the course is aimed to inspire MA projects in two main areas: 1) transmedia storytelling and creation of storyworlds in contemporary culture; 2) the transmedial storyworld of Lovecraft’s fiction. Selected primary sources: Arkham Horror . Roseville: Fantasy Flight Games, 2005. A Shoggoth on the Roof. H. P. Lovecraft Historical Society, 2003. Gaiman, Neil. “A Study in Emerald.” Neil Gaiman’s official website. http://www.neilgaiman.com/mediafiles/exclusive/shortstories/emerald.pdf Grau, Matthew e.a. CthulhuTech. Edmonds: Wildfire LLC, 2007. Launet, Francois. Unspeakable Vault (of Doom). Webcomic. http://www.goominet.com/unspeakable- vault/ Lovecraft, H. P. The Complete Cthulhu Mythos Tales. New York: Fall River Press, 2013 (excerpts). Petersen, Sandy, Lynn Willis and Mike Mason. Call of Cthulhu: Horror Roleplaying. 1981. Ann Arbor: Chaosium, 2016. Selected secondary sources: Hill, Gary. The Strange Sound of Cthulhu: Music Inspired by the Writings of H. P. Lovecraft. Music Street Journal: 2006 (excerpts). Jenkins, Henry. ”Transmedia storytelling.” Technology Review, 15 January 2003. http://www. technologyreview.com/Biotech/13052/?a=f. Pratten, Robert. Getting Started with Transmedia Storytelling: A Practical Guide for Beginners. 2015. Ryan, Marie-Laure. “Transmedia Storytelling: Industry Buzzword or New Narrati ve Experience?” Storyworlds: A Journal of Narrative Studies, Vol. 7, No. 2, ”Transmedial Worlds in Convergent Media Culture” (Winter 2015): 1-19. - - -. “Transmedial Storytelling and Transfictionality.” Poetics Today, 34:3 (Fall 2013). Scolari, Carlos Alberto. “Transmedia Storytelling: Implicit Consumers, Narrative Worlds, and Branding in Contemporary Media Production.” International Journal of Communication 3 (2009): 586- 606. Smith, Don G. H. P. Lovecraft in Popular Culture: The Works and Their Adaptations in Film, Television, Comics, Music and Games. Jefferson: McFarland, 2006 (excerpts). .