ENGL 209 Introduction to Comics and Graphic Novels introduces students to the genre of comics and the graphic novel. Students will consider the history of the genre and explore how comics and graphic novels reflect and represent diverse social, political, and popular cultures. Students will learn how to write about graphic narratives and will have the opportunity to experiment with the form through hands-on activities.
Prerequisites: ENGL 111 with a minimum grade of 60%
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 45 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 3 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Interpret and engage with comics and graphic novels
- Analyze texts across a range of genres, media, and cultures
- Synthesize a variety of critical approaches to comics and graphic novels
- Describe complex relationships between texts and contexts (e.g. historical, social, cultural, literary)
- Examine diverse comics and graphic novels from an intercultural perspective
Teaching and Learning Approach
Through discussions on topical issues, presentations, film screenings, and guest speakers, students develop the
reading, writing, and critical thinking strategies needed for analyzing and responding to graphic literary texts.
Students are encouraged to engage with literary texts using a variety of approaches. A constructive and inclusive
environment will be fostered to support a diversity of approaches.Learning Resources
Hinds, Gareth. The Odyssey. Candlewick, 2010. Print.
Krug, Nora. Belonging: A German Reckons with History and Home. New York: Scribner, 2018.
LaBoucane-Benson, Patti. The Outside Circle: A Graphic Novel. Illustrated by Kelly Mellings, House of Anansi
Press, 2015.
Spiegelman, Art. The Complete Maus. Penguin Books, 2003.
Satrapi, Marjane. The Complete Persepolis. Pantheon, 2007.
Moore, Alan and Dave Gibbons. Watchmen. DC Comics, 2014.
* Additional readings will be provided in the form of handouts.Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Introduction to the Course. Introduction to Reader Response Assignment Introduction to the 1 Page Comic Autobiography Assignment.
2. History, Family & Comic Narratives
3. History, Family & Comic Narratives
4. History, Family & Comic Narratives
5. Comic Adaptations & Homer’s Odyssey
6. Adaptation & What They Say About Us
7. READING WEEK: NO CLASS
8. Heroes, Antiheroes, and a New World Order
9. Heroes, Antiheroes, and a New World Order
10. Indigenous Comics
11. Indigenous Futurism and Resistance Comics
12. Revolutions: Personal & Political
13. Revolutions: Personal & Political
14. Course Review
15. Final Exam Period - Take Home ExamAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| Engaged Participation (in-class group and exercises) | written 1, 5 | 10% |
| Assignment 02 â€" Analytical Reader Response | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | 15% |
| Assignment 04 â€" Research Paper Assignment 05 â€" Explorations using comic | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | 25% |
| conventions w/ Presentation (2x) | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | 30% |
| Final Exam | 1, 2, 3, 4 | 20% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.