The latest issue of LWU: Literatur in Wissenschaft und Unterricht on the topic of “Serial Narratives” is out now. This special issue was edited by Kathleen Loock and contains contributions by Ilka Brasch, Rudmer Canjels, Ursula Ganz-Blättler, Nathalie Knöhr, Agnieszka Rasmus, Phyll Smith, Bettina Soller, Maria Sulimma, and Robyn Warhol among others. “Serial Narratives” explores narrative, cultural, and historical dimensions of serial narratives in an effort to come to terms with their changing forms and functions within the field of popular culture. Altogether thirteen essays from leading and emerging scholars in the fields of film and media studies, literary studies, cultural history, ethnography, and American studies address questions relating to the production and reception of serial narratives in the past and present. How can the evolution of serial forms be understood within particular theoretical frameworks? How does the sprawl of serial narratives across different media challenge established notions of authorship, narrative closure, and cultural legitimacy? How does it work to increase audience loyalty and engagement? How do authors and producers respond to new modes of consumption that differ from the ritualized experience of daily, weekly or monthly installments? Do DVD sets, VOD (video-on-demand) services, and streaming require new narrative strategies and storytelling techniques to satisfy the repeat viewer of television series or the binge viewer, who consumes more than one episode (sometimes even entire seasons) in one sitting? What effect has the so-called “second screen” (i.e. activities on laptops, tablets or smartphones that take place in online forums while users are watching a television program on a “primary screen”) on viewing experiences and (the semblance of) audience participation? The special issue thus aims to bring different, interdisciplinary perspectives to the analysis of serial narratives that will contribute to a deeper understanding of their forms and functions, and, more generally, to the ongoing research that is being done in seriality studies.

Table of Contents

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