Graphic Novels as Literature

Graphic novels are a relatively new take on this age-old tradition. In this course, students will engage their world through graphic novels, classic and modern. Superheroes like Superman and Batman become the new pantheon of gods; mice and cats endure World War II and the Holocaust; unfamiliar heroes ruthlessly apply the laws of the US, falling from grace in the process; lions carry the burden of freedom in Iraq amid a raging war. By reading Maus, A Contract with God, Watchmen, Kingdom Come, Pride of Baghdad, and an excerpt of Nimona, students will better understand modern world events, redefine the literary canon, and explore the idea of a unifying modern mythos.

To successfully complete this course, students will need access to a laptop or desktop computer with a reliable internet connection and a working webcam and microphone. This course may also require purchase of texts or other course materials.

This Fixed-Paced course incorporates a blend of synchronous and asynchronous elements. Students and teacher meet live via zoom on a regular weekly schedule. In addition, students complete coursework including guided readings, interactive videos, text and video-based discussion threads, problem sets, individual and collaborative projects, and so on. While these activities are time-flexible, teachers sequence them with weekly deadlines to help students keep on track and encourage and support the development of productive time management skills.

During the course orientation period, CLI asks students to complete a survey on their availability for live class meetings. Teachers set individual class meeting times based on student responses.