History of Comic Books

Catalog description

This course examines the evolution of the medium of comics, from their origins in newspapers to a form of popular culture that has captivated readers around the globe for over a century. We will engage with comics as visual and literary sources and as historical documents that reflect the values, anxieties, and aspirations of the eras and cultures in which they are produced. At various times, comics have been used as propaganda or political activism to advocate specific visions for society, and we will read examples of both. In this class, we will consider the technology and artistic work that went into the evolution of the medium, methods for engaging with comics as culture and history, and the ethical and artistic questions involved in the creation of comics.