ENG 1939 - COMIC BOOKS AND GRAPHIC NOVELS

credits: 3.0
An introduction to comic books and graphic novels. It introduces students to selected major authors, illustrators, themes and genres. The emphasis is on critical reading and writing, including textual and visual literacy. Students will employ formal as well as cultural analysis. Graphic novels and comic books will thus be read not only as formal art objects, but also as documents that shape and are shaped by their times. Artists and illustrators might include Bernie Wrightson, Neil Adams, Stan Lee, Len Wein, P. Craig Russell, Alan Moore, and Frank Miller. Objectives: A) Identify and describe major themes and genres; B) Compare and contrast different treatments of major themes and genres, in terms of print and illustration (textual and visual literacy); C) Identify and describe major social, cultural and historical contexts; D) Think and write critically about form, content and context. Method of Instruction: Lecture and discussion. Method of Evaluation: Three essays and reading quizzes. Meets *WEP Distribution Requirement. Course Fee: $20.00 Digital subscription.

Prerequisite(s): No physical textbooks are required. Instead, students must purchase a two-month digital subscription for $20.00 to Marvel Unlimited at marvel.com.