A focused, in depth study and analysis of a selected topic in literary and/or cultural studies. Specific topics vary according to faculty assigned.

The course introduces comics as a visual art form and explores new elements that convey non-visual sensations. The course analyzes the ocular-centric norms of graphic art and draw from new Comics Studies resources to experiment with multi-sensory aesthetic elements. In addition, this course will explore sensory, physical responses to comic art across print material, media platforms, and digital comics. No drawing skills are required though students will use sketchbooks and larger comic-making project, to reflect upon formal experimentation with comics as multi-sensory experiences. The topics of this course will vary, and students may repeat the course for credit, but may not repeat a topic.

This course is an intensive investigation into the graphic novel as a medium for artistic practice. Designed for students interested in the art of storytelling through graphic novels. Students will explore composing a story, developing a pace through layout and composition, learning the fundamental tools of sequential illustration and then unifying the entire structure with the intent of creating a graphic novel.