Once deemed lowbrow art, comics and other forms of graphic narration have not only sparked scholarly interest in recent years but have also been integrated into the canon, thus extending the definition of literature. This course serves as an introduction to the mechanics of graphic narration and the analysis of text-image relations. Exploring the stylistic vocabulary of the medium -- from simple black-and-white comics to elaborately crafted graphic novels -- this class will cover classics as well as genre-bending contemporary works. After an overview of the traditions of graphic narration in the US, we will take a close look at selected biographies, personal narratives, and collective histories in drawn-out form, exploring the narrative possibilities and limits of the medium. With a strong emphasis on academic writing, all thematic sessions will include hands-on writing techniques, exercises, and how-to guides providing students with the essential skills and resources for writing successful research papers.
- Dozent: Sophie Renninger