Prose Fiction and the Graphic Novel
This class focuses on the reading and writing of
narrative fiction in the forms of traditional prose as well as the graphic
novel (aka “comic books”). Each week students will read two to four published
stories (approximately 40 pages) plus three student stories (roughly 25 pages).
Attention will focus on elements of fiction such as
setting, character, plot, theme, structure and style. Other assignments may be
added at the instructor’s discretion.
Each student will write three stories for class
discussion (6-8 pages minimum), of which the first must be prose fiction; the
second and/or third may be in graphic novel style. Students desiring to write
solely prose fiction will be free to do so. Collaboration is allowed for
graphic novels, with an attendant increase in page count.
Students will take turns leading class discussions of
the published work. These discussions, and regular participation in discussion,
are a major factor in student grades.
PLEASE NOTE: The “graphic novels” studied here are NOT
superhero comic books. If your interest lies in discussing books like X-MEN,
CAPTAIN AMERICA, JLA OR WATCHMEN, this class is not for you.
Required Texts:
- Neil Gaiman, ed. THE BEST AMERICAN COMICS 2010.
- Daniel Halpern, ed. THE ART OF THE TALE.