English at ASU Open Door 2019
Please join us at ASU Open Door 2019! All English activities will take place at ASU's campus in Tempe in or near Ross-Blakley Hall, are free of charge, and are open to the public. Watch sword fight demos, learn the secrets of the Star Wars universe, experience an indigenous tipi, visit Hogwarts, write haikus and solve crosswords!
Swords Instead of Quips in YA Fantasy
1-3 p.m. | RBHL 196
Join NYT Bestselling Author Melissa Marr to learn how to integrate combat sequences into story. Using primarily Historical European martial arts (longsword and single-handed messer), but touching on kali sticks and improvised weaponry, Marr will discuss and demonstrate fighting as a realistic outgrowth of character, world, and setting. Marr will cover integrating action into story naturally and touch on tricks to stretch out the action in text without relying on historical inaccuracies, gross misuse of weapons, or action clichés like villain monologues.
Making the Star Wars Universe
1-6 p.m. | RBHL 101
ASU experts in film, television and literature share their perspective on the secret of Star Wars’ success (presentations every 30 mins). Mix and mingle with your favorite Jedis, hear the backstory of those vintage Star Wars toys and action figures, learn about the female heroes of Star Wars, enjoy themed face-painting and get your own balloon creature made by a Star Wars cosplayer. (Face-paint and balloons from 1:30-3:30 only).
Also, members of the Dune Sea Garrison, 501st Legion—“Bad Guys Doing Good”—will provide an Imperial presence.
Experts schedule:
1 p.m. / 3 p.m. / 5 p.m.: The Merch & the Franchise: Star Wars Toys and Action Figures (Kevin Sandler)
1:30 p.m. / 3:30 p.m. / 5:30 p.m.: The Hero’s Journey in Star Wars (Christopher Bradley)
2 p.m. / 4 p.m.: The Women of Star Wars (Aviva Dove-Viebahn)
2:30 p.m. / 4:30 p.m.: Star Wars Fan Communities (Bruce Matsunaga)
RED INK Tipi Experience
1-6 p.m. | RBHL (outdoors on SDFC East Field)**
ASU’s Red Ink Indigenous Initiative presents cultural stories from Indigenous communities for children and adults. Each session is facilitated in a traditional tipi setting by tribal storytellers. Organized by assistant professor Henry Quintero, the editor of RED INK Journal.
**In case of inclement weather (rain or cold), please find us inside Ross-Blakley Hall room 196 from 3:30 to 6 p.m. in which case we'll have no tipi—just stories!
Hogwarts Sorting Hat & Spell Casting
1-3 p.m. | RBHL 117
Welcome to Hogwarts! Inspired by the Harry Potter books, young visiting wizards get sorted into a “house” and receive a corresponding wand; use the wand to magically correct misspelled words! Teeny tiny wizards can just enjoy learning silly spells. Beware: Dementors may show up! Facilitated by professors Jim Blasingame and Peter Goggin and English Education students.
Hogwarts Wand-Making and Platform Photos
3:30-6 p.m. | RBHL 117
Members of Dumbledore’s Amy at ASU, a Harry Potter-themed student club, coach wannabe-wizards on the art of wand-making (supplies provided). Take a selfie at Platform 9 ¾ in London’s King's Cross Station!
Giant Crossword and Word Search Puzzles
1-6 p.m. | RBHL Lobby
Interactive word games for all ages designed by Regents’ Professor and Arizona Poet Laureate Alberto Ríos. Prizes for correct answers!
Writing Takes Place: Your Life in Haiku
1-6 p.m. | RBHL 119
Write your autobiography in Haiku, a short Japanese verse form. Take your finished poem with you! Coached by David DeVine and Rong Ren, teachers in ASU Writing Programs who are expert syllable-counters, with assistance from members of the Graduate Scholars of English Association.