EAC323 - From Comic Books to Graphic Novels

Outline info
Semester
School
Last revision date 2024-01-29 01:00:50.905
Last review date 2024-02-05 00:15:05.724


Subject Title
From Comic Books to Graphic Novels

Subject Description
"Comics are more energetic, more vital than novels". -- Alan Moore. This course examines the vitality and energy of comics (comic strips; comic books; graphic novels), demonstrating how they no longer appeal to nerds but, instead, have become one of the most significant art forms for our time. Join us and gain an appreciation of this ever-expanding genre as we explore the amazing stories in 'comics,' follow its evolution as an art form, and delve into the wondrous interaction of visual and written content - the visual words.

Credit Status

One General Education elective credit in the Arts and Humanities category.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

  1. explore the history of comics, including comic strips, comic books, and graphic novels
  2. identify different sub-genres in this field and their defining works
  3. recognize how visual details help tell the story
  4. acknowledge key figures and historical movements in this genres' evolution
  5. develop criteria for evaluating and comparing comics
  6. use writing as a means of discovery by composing papers that demand mature and creative thinking, the orderly development of ideas, and vigorous argument.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.

Prerequisite(s)
EAC150 or equivalent

Topic Outline
Students will develop and demonstrate their competence in written expression, reading, and research skills by exploring such topics as the historical development of ‘comics,’ the relationship between the written word and visual imagery, and the thematic issues present in this genre.

Mode of Instruction
To ensure that students are engaged as much as possible in the learning process, instructors can use such teaching methods as class and small group discussions, essays and research, individual and group presentations, readings, lectures, workshops, in-class exercises, and/or computer-aided instruction.

Prescribed Texts
Mazzucchelli, D.   Asterios Polyp.
Koike, Kazuo. Lone Wolf & Cub
Moore, Alan and Dave Gibbons. Watchmen. 
Satrapi, Marjane. Persepolis.


Reference Material
Maimon, Elaine, et al., A Writer's Resource: A Handbook for Writing and Research. McGraw-Hill Ryerson
Any Canadian Reference or Handbook
Students should possess an appropriate college-level dictionary/thesaurus.

Students are referred to the following web site for the Seneca College Library MLA Style Guide and Guide to Integrating Quotations (MLA Style):
http://seneca.libguides.com/mla

Student Progression and Promotion Policy

http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/student-progression-and-promotion-policy.html

Grading Policyhttp://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/grading-policy.html

A+ 90%  to  100%
A 80%  to  89%
B+ 75%  to  79%
B 70%  to  74%
C+ 65%  to  69%
C 60%  to  64%
D+ 55%  to  59%
D 50%  to  54%
F 0%    to  49% (Not a Pass)
OR
EXC Excellent
SAT Satisfactory
UNSAT Unsatisfactory


For further information, see a copy of the Academic Policy, available online (http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academics-and-student-services.html) or at Seneca's Registrar's Offices. (https://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/registrar.html).

Modes of Evaluation
To be successful in this course, you must complete all course work as specified and achieve an overall grade of 50% or higher. For further information on evaluation and academic standing, see a copy of the Academic Policy available at Seneca registration offices.

Term Work
The term work will constitute 75% of the final grade. The instructor's class schedule will indicate the nature of the weekly activities as well as the assignments, their due dates, and their value. All assignments must be correctly documented using MLA criteria – in-text citations for quotes and paraphrasing; MLA Works Cited page – and follow the criteria established by the instructor, unless otherwise notified.

All term work assignments must be completed prior to the time of the examination. Unless students have been granted an extension in advance, late assignments will be penalized accordingly. There is no provision for rewriting late assignments, regardless of the grade awarded. Students must contact faculty in advance of due date to discuss extensions.

Make-up opportunities for assignments must also be made in advance of the scheduled due date. If an assignment is missed due to class absence, any official documentation that might be grounds for arranging a make-up opportunity must be submitted to the faculty member on or before the next scheduled class. Make-up opportunities do not apply to all graded assignments.

Final Project:
The final project will constitute 25% of the final grade. 


Grading scheme:


Content Quizzes 10%
Written Assignments 30%
Seminar With Written Analysis 15%
Major Paper 20%
Final Project 25%


All the academic policies of Seneca College apply. This includes, but is not limited to policies related to grading, supplemental exams, deferred exams, and accommodations.

Student Success:
Please come prepared to participate in class. Make sure you bring your course text to each class, participate in class discussions, hand in any assigned work on time, and attend each and every class. Following these suggestions will increase your chances of success.

Approved by: Fiona Bain-greenwood