Topics and Course Schedule:
Part 1:
The Aesthetics of Graphic Storytelling
The Image & The Frame
Words and Images: The Interstitial
Film Animation: Cross&Transmedia Experiences
Part 2:
The Historic Evolution of the Comic Strip
Early Masters
The Aesthetics of Early Comics
Seduction of the Innocent: Culture Wars, Youth Culture and Moral Panics
Superheroes: The Classic DC Superhero
Superheroes: The Marvel Way: Genre and Authorship
Revising The Superhero: Watchmen & The Postmodern
Part 3:
Alternative Traditions
Underground Comics
The Autobiographical School
Documentary Comics
Experiments in Narrative and Narration
The Graphic Novel as Literary Discourse
Part 4:
Comic-Books in Global Popular Culture
Japanese Manga
Underground Political Cartoons in Italy
Punk U.S.A., DIY Comics and ‘Zines
Part 5:
Audiences, Fans and Reception
Comics and Gender
Comics, Race and Ethnic Identity
Fan Cultures
Part 6:
Digital Culture
Reinventing the Comic Book Online
Final Presentations
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE HONORS SECTION WILL REQUIRE EXTRA READINGS AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF A LONGER WRITTEN PROJECT. STUDENTS WILL MEET WITH PROFESSOR REGULARLY TO DISCUSS THEIR ON-GOING WORK