Proposal #
AY16-102R
(Academic Affairs use only)
Proposal #
(College use only)
REQUEST FOR A NEW COURSE
University of Central Oklahoma
Course Subject (Prefix), Number, and Title:
Course
Subject
Recommended
Number
ENG
5XX3
Course Title (maximum of 30 characters)
*Remember when abbreviating names, this is how they will appear on student’s transcripts.
Comic Books & Graphic Novels
Course Title: (full title of course if longer than 30 characters)
Comic Strips, Comic Books & Graphic Novels
For information regarding CIP codes contact your department chair or visit: http://www.uco.edu/academic-affairs/ir/program_inventory.asp
CIP Code: 23.0101
For graduate courses, please attach a syllabus for this course. (See syllabus requirement policy 2.2.)
Course description as it will appear in the appropriate catalog.
Course description only Do not include prerequisites or enrollment restrictions, these should be added under questions 6-12.
(Please use standard American English including full sentences.)
Comic Strips, Comic Books & Graphic Novels offers an historical survey of the development of graphic
narrative as a vital literary and artistic form that has shaped American culture while also reflecting its
anxieties and concerns. The course examines the emergence and development of graphic narrative
within three specific production contexts: the newspaper comic strip, the comic book magazine and the
graphic novel, each of which has produced major figures and canonical works while contributing to the
development of graphic narrative techniques and forms. The course examines each of these graphic
narrative forms within the specific context of their production processes, conceptions of authorship,
system of genres, and styles of representation.
English
Department submitting the proposal
Dr. John Springer
Person to contact with questions
jpspringer@uco.edu
5515
email address
Ext. number
Approved by:
Department Chairperson
Date
College Curriculum Committee Chair
Date
(Please notify department chair when proposal is forwarded to dean.)
College Dean
Date
Academic Affairs Curriculum or Graduate Council Date
(Please notify the department chair when proposal is forwarded to AA.)
Office of Academic Affairs
Academic Affairs Form
May, 2014
Date
Effective term for this new course
(Assigned by the Office of Academic Affairs.)
Functional Review ____________
undergraduate proposals only)
1. Does this course have an undergraduate / graduate counterpart?
X
Yes
No
2. Is this proposal part of a larger submission package including a program change?
Yes
X No
3. Does this new course affect a teacher preparation program?
(All courses required for any teacher preparation
program must have approval from the Council on Teacher Education (CTE) before approval from AACC or Graduate Council.)
Yes
X No
If yes, send copy of proposal to the Director of Teacher Education, Dr. Bryan Duke.
CTE Approval (Stamp or initial)______________________
4. Has this course been previously taught as a common course (4910 seminar, 4960 institute, etc.)?
Yes
X No
If yes, when was the most recent offering?
5. Does this course affect majors or minors outside the department?
Yes
X No
If yes, provide name(s) of department chair(s) contacted, dates, and results of discussion.
6. Prerequisite courses:
Example 1: MATH 1213 and (MATH 2165 or MATH 2185) and CHEM 1213 Example 3: 8 hours of biology including BIO 1404
Example 2: (ACCT 2113 and 2213) and (MGMT 3013 or ISOM 3613)
None
7. Co-requisite(s):
Which of the above prerequisite courses, if any, may be taken in the same semester as the proposed new
course?
None.
8. Concurrent enrollment:
No.
Courses that must be taken the same semester. Example: lab courses.
9. Will this course have enrollment restrictions?
X
Yes
No
If No, go to question 13.
10. Specify which major(s) may or may not take this course.
Specifying a major, excludes all other majors from
enrolling.
Check one:
May
May not
Major Code:
11. Which of the following student classification(s) may enroll in this course?
Graduate
Graduate
Post Baccalaureate *
Senior
Junior
Sophomore
Freshman
Check all that apply:
(2) 19 + hours
X
(1) 0-18 hours
X
* Graduate level courses are not open to Post Baccalaureate students.
12. Check or list other restrictions for this course.
Admission to Graduate Programs
Admission to Nursing Program
Admission to Teacher Education
Other
Academic Affairs Form
May, 2014
None.
Functional Review ____________
undergraduate proposals only)
13. Course objectives: Objectives should be observable, measurable and include scholarly or creative activities to meet the
course level characteristics. Course objectives should also be in line with the course description. (Please refer to instructional
objectives documents at: http://www.uco.edu/academic-affairs/faculty-staff/aacc.asp#FAQ/Helpful%20Hints.)
Upon completion of this course student will be able to:
Analyze the evolution of graphic narrative forms from the comic strip through the comic
book to the graphic novel
Evaluate the major figures who contributed to the evolution of comic strip forms
Categorize the major genres present within comic strip forms
Analyze the production processes within which comic strips, comic books and graphic
novels have been made
Evaluate the formal and aesthetic properties of a variety of graphic narrative forms
Analyze a variety of graphic narrative texts
Evaluate comics within specific historical and cultural contexts
Synthesize various critical theories of graphic narrative
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Course Detail Information:
14. Contact Hours (per week)
3
Lecture hours (in class)
Lab hours (also studios)
Other (outside activities)
15. Repeatable course.
1
Number of times this course can be taken for credit.
16. Schedule type: (select one only)
L
Activity P.E. (A)
Lab only (B)
Lecture/Lab (C)
Lecture only (L)
Recitation/Lab (R)
Student Teaching (STU)
Studio Art/Design (XSU)
17. List existing course(s) for which this course will be a prerequisite.
an existing course will likely cause enrollment problems.
Adding a “new course” as a prerequisite to
(Please submit a prerequisite change form for each course for
which this course will serve as a prerequisite.)
None.
18. What resources, technology or equipment must be acquired to teach this course?
List items, which must
be purchased and estimated cost. (Be specific, e.g., technology software, equipment, computer lab; etc.)
None.
Academic Affairs Form
May, 2014
Functional Review ____________
undergraduate proposals only)
19. The UCO Library has the required library resources available for this new course?
No If yes, provide names of Librarian/Faculty Liaisons contacted, dates, and results of discussion.
X Yes
Librarian Shay Beezley was contacted on 1/14/16. She indicated that the library has 293
items related to comic strips, books, etc., and 152 items related to graphic novels. In
addition, several recent publications on the topic of comic studies, theory and history
have been acquired through the English Department’s annual book order with the library.
If no, what additional library resources must be acquired for this new course?
List items which must be
purchased and estimated cost. (Be specific, e.g., books, magazines, journals, etc.)
No additional library resources will be necessary to support the proposed course.
20. Names of current faculty qualified to teach this course.
Dr. John Springer and Dr. Wayne Stein
21. Additional faculty (adjunct or full-time) required and specific competencies required to teach this
course:
None.
22. How will this course be staffed and equipped? Identify the additional costs associated with this
new course. If no costs, explain why not.
This course will be offered as a part of the English Department’s regular course rotation
for existing faculty. No new equipment or staff will be needed.
23. Identify the source(s) of funds for any additional costs for the new course.
i.e. internal reallocations,
special fees from students, etc. If you plan to propose special fees be assessed for this course, be aware there is a separate
approval process for special fees.
n/a
24. Projected enrollment for two academic years following approval of new course:
Semester
Fall
Spring
Summer
2017
2018
8
8
25. Using State Regents’ definition of liberal arts and sciences (quoted below), characterize the
course as follows:
X
Non-liberal arts and sciences
Liberal arts and sciences
“The liberal arts and sciences are defined as those traditional fields of study in the humanities; social and behavioral
sciences; communications; natural and life sciences, mathematics; and the history, literature, and theory of fine arts
(music, art, drama, dance). Courses in these fields whose primary purpose is directed toward specific occupational or
professional objectives, or courses in the arts which rely substantially on studio or performance work are not
considered to be liberal arts and sciences for the purpose of this policy. Courses required for the General Educational
Program are not necessarily synonymous or mutually exclusive with the liberal arts and sciences.” State Regents
Policy and Procedures. Chapter 2, Section 5, “Degree Requirements” part 1, (2). P. II-2-86
Academic Affairs Form
May, 2014
Functional Review ____________
undergraduate proposals only)
26. Please provide a concise, yet comprehensive, statement that explains the reasons for requesting
the new course. Include documentation or assessment information supporting the specific
request (if possible). Indicate the expected source of student enrollment (majors, minors,
programs etc.)
Comic Strips, Comic Books and Graphic Novels addresses an influential but often academically
overlooked area of American culture—graphic narratives. For many of our students in English
(and other disciplines) the reading of comic books and graphic novels makes up an increasingly
large part of their literary experience. The Norton Anthology of American Literature, 7th edition,
contains an excerpt from Art Spiegelman’s graphic novel Maus, which also won the Pulitzer
Prize for Literature. Alison Bechdel’s autobiography Fun Home was a National Book Critics
Circle Award finalist. Graphic novels have been submitted as doctoral dissertations
(Unflattening, Nick Sousanis) and comic book characters and narratives have inspired numerous
adaptations in virtually every communication medium, including stage and film. At UCO, graphic
novels have already been incorporated in several courses including ENG 5673 – Young Adult
Literature and ENG 5683 – Women in Literature and have been cited in MA exam essays. This
course will also serve graduate students enrolled in CSDY 5723 – Writing the Comic Book and
Graphic Novel, who have requested a course dedicated to the critical study and history of
comics as a medium. The English Department seeks to recognize this vital literary/artistic form
and develop in our students a heightened level of critical appreciation and understanding of it.
27
Which of the six transformative learning tenets does this course incorporate?
(check all that apply or
only those that apply) This question was a directive from the Provost and is used for informational purposes.
Discipline Knowledge
Leadership
Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities
Service Learning and Civic Engagement
Global and Cultural Competencies
Health and Wellness
Academic Affairs Form
May, 2014
X
X
X
Functional Review ____________
undergraduate proposals only)
28. Clearly explain how the characteristics of this course meet or exceed those outlined in Course
Level Characteristics. (Copy and paste table from “Course Level Characteristics” document for the appropriate course level
of proposed course. Document may be found on: http://www.uco.edu/academic-affairs/files/aacc/forms/CLCtable4-07.doc .
5000 LEVEL COURSES
Course Level Characteristics
1. It is assumed that students in these courses
have acquired the ability to use language
effectively, to engage in analytical thought and
creative processes, and to use information and
bibliographic sources with skill.
2. It is assumed that students in these courses
have achieved a significant level of maturity in
the discipline, evidenced by a considerable
background of knowledge.
3. These courses should be more than a mere
extension of undergraduate courses. Rather,
they should be qualitatively different. At a
minimum:
a. Students should be required to undertake
original scholarly/creative activity.
b. Students should assume greater
responsibility for mastering the subject
matter.
c. Close working relationships should exist
between instructors and students.
Academic Affairs Form
May, 2014
Please describe how this course meets this
requirement.
Students in “Comic Strip, Comic Books
& Graphic Novels” would be expected
to possess a sophisticated knowledge
of American literature and popular
culture, and would be required to apply
this knowledge in major independent
scholarly research projects culminating
in publication-quality essays of journalarticle length on topics in the field of
Comic Studies
Students in “Comic Strips, Comic
Books & Graphic Novels” would be
expected to apply sophisticated
theoretical methodologies to a range of
scholarly questions within the field of
Comic Studies; to possess an
extensive working knowledge of
American literature and popular
culture; and to understand and practice
the conventions, techniques, and
protocols of professional scholarly
discourse within the discipline of
English Studies.
Students in “Comic Strips, Comic
Books & Graphic Novels” would be
required to produce publication-quality
essays of journal-article length
presenting sophisticated analyses of
the complex questions raised by
popular culture studies and graphic
narrative texts, to share responsibility
with the instructor for facilitating class
discussions, and to consult closely
with the instructor on a one-to-one
basis about their ongoing scholarly
projects.
Functional Review ____________
undergraduate proposals only)
Comic Strips, Comic Books & Graphic Novels
Department of English
Fall/Spring
SYLLABUS
COURSE NUMBER: ENG 5xx3
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
“Comic Strips, Comic Books & Graphic Novels” offers an historical survey of the development of graphic
narrative as a vital literary and artistic form that has shaped American culture while also reflecting its anxieties
and concerns. We will examine the emergence and development of graphic narrative within three specific
production contexts: the newspaper comic strip, the “comic book” magazine and the graphic novel, each of which
has produced major figures and canonical works while contributing to the development of graphic narrative
techniques and forms. We will examine each of these graphic narrative forms within the specific context of their
production processes, conceptions of authorship, system of genres, and styles of representation.
PREREQUISITES: ENG 1113, 1213
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:








Analyze the evolution of graphic narrative forms from the comic strip through the comic book to the
graphic novel
Evaluate the major figures who contributed to the evolution of comic strip forms
Categorize the major genres present within comic strip forms
Analyze the production processes within which comic strips, comic books and graphic novels have been
made
Evaluate the formal and aesthetic properties of a variety of graphic narrative forms
Analyze a variety of graphic narrative texts
Evaluate comics within specific historical and cultural contexts
Synthesize various critical theories of graphic narrative
TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Transformative learning is a holistic process that places students at the center of their own active and reflective
learning experiences. All students at the University of Central Oklahoma will have transformative learning
experiences in six core areas: discipline knowledge, leadership; research, creative and scholarly activities; service
learning and civic engagement; global and cultural competencies; and health and wellness.
Students in this course will acquire discipline knowledge by studying the history of comic strips, comic books and
graphic novels. They will engage in advanced research and scholarly activities by the completion of a research
paper. They will acquire global and cultural competencies through a detailed analysis of the aesthetic and
ideological dimensions of American comic strips positioned within the larger context of international comics
culture in the 20th century.
TEXT BOOKS: Bradford Wright, Comic Book Nation: The Transformation of Youth Culture in America (ISBN:
0-8018-7450-5), and a Course Packet.
Academic Affairs Form
May, 2014
Functional Review ____________
undergraduate proposals only)
COURSE OUTLINE
WEEK ONE:
Day One: Introduction to Comics Studies
Day Two: Precursors: William Hogarth, Rodolphe Topffer
WEEK TWO:
Day One: Originators: Richard Felton Outcault (The Yellow Kid), Frederick Burr Opper (Happy Hooligan)
Day Two: The Newspaper Syndicate and the Cartoonist as Auteur
WEEK THREE:
Day One: Early Masters of the Comic Strip: Winsor McCay (Little Nemo in Slumberland), George Herriman
(Krazy Kat),
Day Two: Frank King (Gasoline Alley), E.C. Segar (Thimble Theater)
WEEK FOUR:
Day One: The Golden Age of Comic Strips: Chester Gould (Dick Tracy), Alex Raymond (Flash Gordon)
Day Two:
Reading: Wright, Chapters 1, 2
WEEK FIVE:
Day One: The Comic Book Era: The Emergence of an Industry
Day Two: The “Shop System” of Production
Reading: Wright, Chapter 3, 4,
WEEK SIX:
Day One: Siegel & Schuster (Superman)
Day Two: Bob Kane & Bill Finger (Batman)
Reading: Wright, Chapter 5
Alvin Schwartz, “Batman—Backward Looking and Forward Leaning” CP
WEEK SEVEN:
Day One: Comic Book Genres: Superhero, Crime, Funny Animal, Romance,
Day Two: Teen Humor, Western, Science Fiction, Horror
Readings: Wright, Chapter 6
WEEK EIGHT:
Day One: Masters of the Comic Book I: Will Eisner (The Spirit), Jack Cole (Plastic Man)
Day Two: Joe Simon and Jack Kirby (Captain America), Carl Barks (Donald Duck)
WEEK NINE:
Day One: Focus on 1950s Horror Comics: American Comics Group and Harvey
Day Two: Focus on 1950s Horror Comics: Atlas and (to be determined)
WEEK TEN:
Day One: The EC Revolution: William Gaines, Al Feldstein,
Day Two: Wally Wood (“Judgement Day”), “Master Race,”
Academic Affairs Form
May, 2014
Functional Review ____________
undergraduate proposals only)
WEEK ELEVEN:
Day One: Comic Book Censorship and the Comics Code
Day Two: Screening of documentary Comic Book Confidential
Readings: Wright, Chapter 7, 8
WEEK TWELVE:
Day One: Masters of the Comic Book II: Stan Lee, Steve Ditko (Spiderman, Doctor Strange),
Jack Kirby (Fantastic Four), Ogden Whitney (Herbie)
Day Two: Masters of the Comic Book II:
Readings: Wright, Chapter 9, Epilogue, and “Spider-Man at Ground Zero”
WEEK THIRTEEN:
Day One: Alternative Comics: Underground Comix, Bande Dessinee
Day Two: Robert Crumb, Druillet (Lone Sloane), Moebius (Arzach)
WEEK FOURTEEN:
Day One: The Graphic Novel: A Contract with God (Eisner),
Day Two: The Dark Knight (Miller)
WEEK FIFTEEN:
Day One: Watchman (Moore)
Day Two: Maus (Speigelman)
WEEK SIXTEEN:
Day One: Unflattening
Day Two:
Academic Affairs Form
May, 2014
Functional Review ____________
undergraduate proposals only)