This course provides an introduction to comic books in the United States. We will examine various approaches to reading and understanding comics and graphic narratives, the relationship between comics and other forms of media, and the influence of comics in American culture more broadly. Topics include the history of comics, controversies and concerns about the cultural influence of comics, the comics industry and how comics are published and distributed, representation in comics, and the impacts of digital production and distribution on comics. This class will combine lectures, discussion, presentations, and writing assignments. Open to first-years, sophomores, and Film and Media Studies majors; others by consent of instructor.
Distribution Area
Students entering Fall 2024 or later: Textual Analysis (TA)
Students entering Fall 2024 or later: Writing Across Contexts (WAC)
Students entering prior to Fall 2024: Humanities (HU DIST)