| CODE | DGA5305 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Graphic Narrative and Storytelling | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Digital Arts | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit focuses on the graphic novel as a cultural product and practice, also exploring the multifaceted languages of comics that fuel its base. It explores the ways in which meanings emerge through analysis of its three main pillars: comics language, history and technique, in so doing investigating the stylistic permutations that infuse the medium. Through in-depth study of major 'texts' extracted from the varied history of comics and graphic novels, the study-unit overviews the way graphic storytellers convey messages that vary from simple, superhero-based entertainment, to the use and manipulation of historical and contemporary social issues as the building blocks for their art. It also looks at comics as communicators through exploring the medium and the message, the various styles and schools and the genre's various techniques and intentions. The credit puts theory to practice through hands-on traditional and digital examples and applications. Study-unit Aims: - To conceptualize graphic storytelling as a cultural and artistic process that communicates complex meanings within contemporary culture; - To explore the development of the genre and the social, commercial, communicative and artistic processes that inspired it; - To recognize social, metaphorical, and philosophical meanings and themes in graphic novels and be able to critically analyze these pieces as ‘text; - To provide hands-on experience in the production of a work in this genre. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - gain an understanding of narrative construction and storytelling; - investigate the genre historically, technically as well as linguistically. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - critically reflect on the medium and its relationship to contemporary artistic practices; - generate a graphic narrative both practically and theoretically; - effectively apply traditional and digital illustration techniques. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: MAIN TEXTS: - Duncan, R., & Smith, M. J. (2009). The power of comics: History, form and culture. New York: Continuum. - Eisner, W. (1990). Comics and Sequential Art (expanded edition). Florida: Poorhouse Press. - McCloud, S. (1994). Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art. New York: Harper. READING LIST: - Benton, M. (1993). The Comic Book in America (updated edition). Dallas: Taylor Publishing Company. - Fingeroth, D. (2008). The Rough Guide to Graphic Novels. London: Rough Guides Ltd. - Gombrich, E. H. (1977). Art and Illusion: A Study in the Psychology of Pictorial Representation (5th edition). Oxford: Phaidon Press. - Goulart, R. (1983). Great History of Comic Books. Chicago: Contemporary Books. - Goulart, R. (1991). Over 50 Years of American Comic Books. Illinois: Publications International. - Harvey, R. C. (1996). The Art of the Comic Book: An Aesthetic History. Jackson: University Press of Mississippi. - Horne, M. (Ed.) (1997). The World Encyclopedia of Comics. New York: Chelsea House Publications. - Jones, G. (2005). Men of Tomorrow: Geeks, Gangsters, and the Birth of the Comic Book. New York: Basic Books. - Jones, J., & Jacobs, W. (1997). The Comic Book Heroes. Rocklin CA: Prima Publishing. - Klock, G. (2002). How to Read Superhero Comics and Why. New York: Continuum. - Kunzle, D. (1990). The History of the Comic Strip: The Nineteenth Century. Berkeley: The University of California Press. - McCloud, S. (2000). Reinventing Comics: How Imagination and Technology Are Revolutionizing an Art Form. New York: Perennial. - McCloud, S. (2006). Making Comics: Storytelling Secrets of Comics, Manga and Graphic Novels. New York: Harper. - Pilcher, T, & Brooks, B. (2005). The Essential Guide to World Comics. London: Collins and Brown. - Sabin, R. (1996). Comics, Comix & Graphic Novels: A History of Comic Art. London: Phaidon. - Salisbury, M. (1999). Writers on Comics Scriptwriting. London: Titan Books. - Salisbury, M. (2000). Artists on Comic Art. London: Titan Books. - Saraceni, M. (2003). The Language of Comics. London: Routledge. - Schodt, F. L. (1983). Manga! Manga!: The World of Japanese Comics. New York: Kodansha International Ltd. - Wolk, D. (2007). Reading Comics: How Graphic Novels Work and What They mean. Philadelphia: Da Capo Press. - Wright, B. W. (2001). Comic Book Nation: The Transformation of Youth Culture in America. Baltimore: John Hopkins University Press. Other journal articles related to the topic will be made available on the Study Unit e-Learning website. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture, Independent Study and Project | ||||||||||||
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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