Critical and Creative Approaches to Comics and Graphic Novels module (CG50001)

The aim of the module is to introduce students to critical approaches to comics and graphic novels. It is a core module in the Comics Studies MLitt and helps students apply a range of theoretical perspectives to the study of comics, as well as considering the development of Comics Theory.

Indicative topics:

• Comics Theory and Visual Culture
• Marxism, Historicism and Materialism
• Gender and Feminism
• Modernism and Structuralism
• Psychoanalysis and Post-Colonialism
• Post-Modernism and Metafiction

Assessment

Coursework makes up 100% of the assessment, as follows:

• Weekly journal (20%) between 250 and 350 words per week. Collated version due Friday Week 14.
• Presentation (20%), given in class, topic to be agreed with module organiser.
• Research essay (60%, 4,000 words), due Friday Week 15.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

• Use critical approaches and theoretical perspectives in the analysis of comics and graphic novels
• Show familiarity with the development of comics theory
• Show awareness of the variety of critical and theoretical perspectives and their relationship to one another
• Articulate independent critical responses to comics using theory

Convenor

Dr Chris Murray