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.

Completion of this course requires regular access to a laptop or desktop computer with working microphone and webcam, as well as a reliable internet connection.

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.