ENGL 345 - Comics and Graphic Novels

Units: 4 ; Breadth Area: GE-3B
Study of the history, structure, and emerging patterns of the comic book and graphic novel, a hybrid narrative form that blends literary and visual components. Analysis of primary sources and graphic novel criticism that explores the genre’s cultural impact.

Breadth Area(s) Satisfied: GE-UD-3 - Upper-Division Arts or Humanities (Humanities)
Prerequisites: Completion of GE Areas 1A, 1B, 1C and GE-2 with grade C- (CR) or better (GE Areas A1, A2, A3 and B4 for students on the 2024-25 or earlier catalogs).
Strongly Recommended Preparation: Upper division status (greater than 60 earned semester units) and completion of lower division Area 3 requirements (lower division Area C requirements for students on the 2024-25 or earlier catalogs).
Possible Instructional Methods: On-ground, or Hybrid, or Online-Asynchronous.
Grading: A-F or CR/NC (student choice).
Course Typically Offered: Variable Intermittently

Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

identify and summarize key developments in the history of comic book and graphic novel production in the United States;
demonstrate familiarity with major works in American comic books and graphic novels;
recognize and explain principle terms used in comic book and graphic novel production and analysis;
explain theoretical perspectives used in the production and reception of comic books and graphic novels;
articulate in writing how the comic book’s or graphic novel’s unique structures are used to develop thematic concerns in at least one primary text.

GE-UD-3. Upper-division Arts or Humanities Learning Outcomes

demonstrate an understanding of and ability to apply the principles, methodologies, value systems, and thought processes employed in the arts and humanities;
analyze cultural production as an expression of, or reflection upon, what it means to be human; and
demonstrate how the perspectives of the arts and humanities are used by informed, engaged, and reflective citizens to benefit local and global communities.