English 44 - Summer Sessions I, 2022

Introductory Topics in Fiction

Topic: American Comics & Graphic Novels

Class Information

Instructor: Romano, Frances
CRN: 51397
Time: MW 2:10-4:40
Location: 1342 Storer
GE Areas: Writing Experience

Description

In this class, we will trace the lineage of contemporary American comics from the early twentieth century to today, investigating the ways in which comic art has replicated, responded to, and/or critiqued dominant cultural discourses around subjects like race, gender, sexuality, disability, class, history, and national identity. We will attend to the medium-specific elements of comics and graphic narratives, adapting our close reading skills to include not only the textual but also the visual. We?ll begin with early 20th century newspaper comics, explore the alt/underground comix movements of the 1960?s through the 80?s, read now-canonical graphic narratives like Art Spiegelman?s Maus and Alison Bechdel?s Fun Home, and end with more recent work from artists like Adrian Tomine and Emil Ferris, contemplating the history, present, and possible futures of comics in the U.S. These readings will prepare you for a short close reading paper, an argument-driven paper, and a final project.