LIT 210 - The Graphic Novel

1. Evaluate the elements of the graphic novel.
   1. Distinguish the elements of form, including but not limited to the cautionary tale, adventure story, and journey of self-discovery.
   2. Specify the elements of content, for example iconic images (human, non-human lifeforms and superheroes, biographies, alternative history lines and others).
2. Develop visual literacy skills and an appreciation for the importance of fully illustrated novels and non-fiction literature in culture.
   1. Discuss issues of race, gender, politics, violent content issues in comics and graphic novels.
   2. Establish the role of sequential art in storytelling within the graphic novel.
3. Interpret graphic novels using one or more of the critical approaches such as Formalist, Psychoanalytic, Feminist, Reader Response, New Historicist, Structuralist and others.
   1. Distinguish and discuss the significance of one or more critical approaches.
   2. Evaluate the graphic novel and compare the genre to traditional literature.
4. Analyze variations and styles of graphic novels and their counterparts, anime, comic books, and manga.
   1. Identify standard visual layouts and design including line, grid and frames.
   2. Recognize narrative, point of view, tone and characterization along with standard literary elements.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of a wide range of literary works that employ the graphic approach.
   1. Value a range of graphic novels via comparison/contrast, analysis, synthesis and other modes.
   2. Apply critical reading skills to approach each graphic novel.
6. Utilize library resources both physical and web-based to broaden accessibility to additional graphic novels.
   1. Examine reviews, library recommendations, peer reviewed journals and other academic evaluations and analysis of graphic novels.
   2. Identify challenged themes and develop strategies to handle controversial topics.
7. Prioritize the historical development of the graphic novel.
   1. Review and research the history and development of comic books, graphic novels, manga and anime along with their sub-genres as literature for educational and recreational purposes.
   2. Gain an understanding of the internationalization and expansion of this genre.
8. Assess the importance of graphic novels in culture.
   1. Analyze the ways this genre permeates popular culture via the Internet, art forms and film adaptations.
   2. Examine the reading and literacy trends of youth and adult readership.
9. Appraise the seminal works of authors and artists in graphic novel writing.
   1. Distinguish trailblazing work in graphic novel writing by award-winning authors such as Harvey Pekar,Art Spiegelman and Max Block.
   2. Recognize leading illustrators in the field ranging from Alison Bechdel to Marjane Sarapti to Phil Foglio etc., via their varied artistic techniques.