Task Overview
Create a flyer to advertise the following course:
English 481: Special Topic – The Literature of Comic Books, Graphic Novels, and Superheroes
This course will explore the comic book as a literary art form. The course will examine the history of comic book literature, the psychological allure of comics, and the place of graphic art within society. The course will also study the nature of the acts of reading and writing comic books. The course will focus especially on the superhero genre within comic book literature.
Course Information
- Session: Summer I (June 5 – July 7, 2006)
- Meeting Time: 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. (Monday – Friday)
- Classroom: McElhaney 205
- Course Instructor: Dr. Gian Pagnucci
Course Work
- Student will read and discuss the literary features of comic books
- Students will read and discuss texts exploring the impact comic books have had on society
- Each student will write a major paper for the course, such as a literary analysis of a comic book, a sociological exploration of a comic book issue, or even a comic book or superhero story
Some Possible Course Texts
- Some classic comic books (such as the origins of Batman and Superman)
- The Amazing Adventures of Cavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon (Pulitzer Prize winning novel)
- Watchmen by Alan Moore (graphic novel)
- The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller (graphic novel)
- Maus (Pulitzer Prize winning graphic novel)
- Comic Book Nation (sociology book)
- Superman on the Couch (psychology book)
- Understanding Comics by Scott Mcleod (reading theory book)
- How to Be a Superhero (informational book)
- Unbreakable (film)
- Field Trip to see the premiere of Superman Returns (film)
Registration Information
- Course is open to all students
- No prerequisites for the course
- Course fulfills Category B – Genre requirement for English majors and minors
- Contact Dr. Pagnucci (pagnucci@iup.edu) for more information about the course or for help registering
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