Author: Paul Cook

The contemporary adage that we exist in a fast-moving, increasingly connected (and “connectable”) world is a commonplace of mainstream media. But what precisely are we referring to when we discuss the massive changes wrought by the internet, mobile devices, networks, and by digital culture generally?

Few figures in American cinema can claim the longevity, the ubiquity, and the significance as can the zombie. Zombies can now run, play chess, and even fall in love, but from where did this shuffling undead creature come and what precisely does its popularity mean in contemporary culture?

In the fall of 2013, I was presented with the exciting opportunity to teach the first course I’ve ever taught in what is (essentially) my sub-area of specialty: the history, theory, and practice of writing instruction in the United States.