Hispanic Studies 458: Visual Voices/Voces visuales: Hispanic Graphic Narrative

Graphic novels and comics (novelas gráficas, historietas, tebeos, cómics) maintain a rich literary tradition and strong popular appeal in Spain, Latin America, and Latino/a communities. We will study the relationship of text and image, visual composition, the impact of genre (conventions, limitations, expectations), and the nature of adaptations across media, particularly film. Thematic topics may include fantasy and the imagination, identity politics (gender, sexuality, and representations of queer/transgender identity), border issues and immigration, aging and illness, and social justice issues such as poverty, discrimination, homelessness, war, and human rights. Possible authors to be read: Carlos Giménez, Lalo Alcaraz, Jaime and Gilbert Hernández, Paco Roca, Maitena, Miguelanxo Prado, Oesterheld, and Quino, among others. Evaluation will be based upon class participation, an oral presentation, written essays/responses throughout the semester, and a final research project. May be applied to the Visual Cultures requirement for the major in Hispanic Studies.  Satisfies the 400 level requirement for the Hispanic Studies minor. Course taught in Spanish.