| The Graphic Novel
The graphic novel, a genre of literature combining writing and art, has become increasingly popular in the past decades. The term “graphic novel” broadly refers to any fictional or non-fictional story that is told by means of both writing and illustration—often, though not necessarily, in cartoon form. In this class, students will read selections from various award-winning graphic novels and illustrated memoirs, among them Persepolis by Marjane Sarpati, Blankets by Craig Thompson, Ghost World by Daniel Clowes, Principles of Uncertainty by Maira Kalman, and the Pulitzer Prize winning Maus by Art Spiegelman. Students are expected to write and illustrate their own graphic novel during the class. In the process, they will hone all techniques relevant to this genre: Writing-wise, the focus will be on dialogue, scene, plot, pacing, character development, selection of detail, language, voice, and editing. Artistically, the focus will be on choice of materials, drawing technique, page layout, the relationship between positive and negative space, color, and shape. |