Skip to main content
Department of English
Search
Log in
Navigation
About
Current Office Hours
Diversity Resources
English Library
Faculty Statement Archives
Internal Dept Resources
Medieval and Early Modern Studies
University Writing Program
Video Guides & Worksheets
Visit us on Facebook
Major/Minor in English
Advising
Creative Writing Application
Honors Program
Internships
Literary Magazines
Major Requirements Guide & FAQ
Minor Requirements
Study Abroad
Why Major in English?
MFA in Creative Writing
Admissions
Events, Prizes, and Resources
MFA Program Faculty
Newly Admitted Grad Students
Resources
Ph.D. in Literature
About
Admissions
Newly Admitted Grad Students
PhD Alumni Directory
Resources
Courses & Schedules
People
News & Events
Off the Syllabus Podcast
Recent News
Contests
Contest Winners
Previous Contest Winners
Newsletters
You are here
Home
»
Courses & Schedules
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.