Illustration as Visual Journalism and Social Activism

Catalog description

This course in visual journalism incorporates illustration, language, and community, while inviting students to identify and assess current social issues, develop research and interviewing skills, learn storytelling techniques, and master digital/traditional illustration and drawing styles. Working in small groups, students will produce a set of graphic novels or visual essays, each based on research and interviews with people impacted by a variety of social issues, such as racial bias, mental health, or homelessness. Assignments will allow students opportunity to explore a variety of illustration and storytelling tools and methodologies while strengthening their conceptual skills to effectively deliver a message. The class will partner with community-based organizations, advocacy groups, and nonprofits for project research. In addition, artists working in the field of visual journalism will be invited as guest speakers to critique students’ midterm and final projects. Prerequisite: ART 29520, Illustration.