Honors 200:
The Graphic Novel as Literature
Spring 2016
TR 2:00-3:15
HON 180
David Southward
Office: Honors House 166A
Hours: M 2:00-5:00
T/R 3:30-5:00
email: southwd@uwm.edu
Required Texts:
Art Spiegelman, Maus: A Survivor’s Tale I and II [ISBN: 978-0679406419]
Jason Lutes, Berlin: Book One and Book Two [ISBN: 978-1896597294 and 978-1897299531]
Chris Ware, Acme Novelty Library #20: Lint [ISBN: 978-1770460201]
Daniel Clowes, Ice Haven [ISBN: 978-0375714696]
Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá, Daytripper [ISBN: 978-1401229696]
Scott McCloud, Understanding Comics [ISBN: 978-0060976255]
Jan 26 T Introductions
28 R Maus I, chapters 1-3
Feb
2 T Maus I concluded
4 R Maus II, chapters 1-2
9 T Maus II concluded
11 R Understanding Comics, chapters 1-3
16 T Understanding Comics, chapters 4-6
18 R Writing workshop
23 T Maus essay due in class (3 pp.)
25 R Berlin: Book One, chs. 1-3
Mar 1 T Maus essay revision due in class; Berlin: Book One, chs. 4-6
3 R Berlin: Book One concluded
8 T Berlin: Book Two, chs. 1-3
10 R Berlin: Book Two, chs. 4-6
SPRING BREAK
22 T Berlin: Book Two concluded
24 R Acme Novelty Library #20 (Lint) through stop sign
29 T Berlin essay due in class (4-5 pp.)
31 R Lint through “Did you say something?”
Apr 5 T Berlin essay revision due in class; Lint through “Happy Birthday Dear Jav-i-er”
7 R Lint concluded
12 T Ice Haven through p. 33
14 R Ice Haven through p. 61
19 T Graphic novel chapter due in class
21 R Ice Haven concluded
26 T Daytripper through ch. 2 (p. 60)
28 R Daytripper through ch. 5 (p. 129)
May 3 T Daytripper through ch. 7 (p. 201)
5 R Daytripper concluded
10 T Conclusions and festivities
13 F Final essay (4-5 pp.) due in my office drop-box by 4:00 p.m.
Policies
The format of this course will be seminar discussion—which means the less talking done by the
instructor, the better!
Goals of the course include learning to:
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close-read and interpret literary texts and images
develop ideas in rational conversation and debate with others
evaluate the validity of a thesis or argument
lead an effective discussion
master the basics of analytical writing (supporting claims, interpreting evidence)
appreciate the complexity of comics as an art form
Class preparation will entail: careful reading of assigned texts for each class, looking up any
words you don’t know; posting weekly discussion starters on D2L; preparing to lead two 25minute discussions; and coming to class on time with your assignments, notes, and texts—ready
to share your views and ideas. As in life, so in the seminar: you only get what you give.
Participation in discussion is mandatory and will be evaluated on the following scale for each
class meeting, the final participation grade being an average for the term:
A = insightful comments that actively build on and promote discussion; thorough
preparation for class; courtesy, tact, and timeliness
B = relevant comments showing engagement in discussion; possible tardiness,
shyness, dominating or immature behavior
C = few comments of relevance to the discussion; prolonged silence or
inappropriate behavior; weak preparation
D = silence or irrelevant remarks; disruptive behavior; no preparation
F = absence from class
Writing assignments include:
1) Three interpretive essays ranging from three to five pages in length, the first two of which
will be revised in response to peer reviews and instructor comments. These papers will be
evaluated on the originality of their arguments, close textual analysis, and style (in that
order). The final grade for revised essays will be an average of the first draft’s grade (⅓) and
second draft’s grade (⅔); however, students receiving A or A- on a first draft
automatically receive an A on their revision and do not have to revise.
2) Short reviews of classmates’ papers, using a peer review worksheet.
3) Weekly postings of discussion starters on D2L.
Each student will create a graphic novel chapter: the opening sequence (10-12 pp.) of a
projected full-length comic, introducing the protagonist and main conflict or theme. (Don’t
worry if you can’t draw: the memoir will be evaluated strictly on the basis of its storytelling, not
its eye appeal.)
Grades will be based on class participation (including attendance and timeliness, degree and
quality of involvement in discussion, effectiveness at leading discussion, and thoughtfulness of
peer reviews and D2L posts = 25%), writing assignments (first essay = 15%; second essay =
20%; final essay = 25%), and the graphic novel chapter (15%).
Only two absences are permitted; each subsequent absence will lower your final grade by one
third (e.g., from A- to B+). Absences cannot be “excused,” however they can be made up by an
extra assignment at the instructor’s discretion.
Late papers will be penalized one third grade for each weekday they are late. Extensions on
papers will be granted to those in hardship, but requests must be made in advance of the due
date.
Please note: Any instance of plagiarism will result in failure of the assignment.
About my office hours: Use them! They are for you to try out your ideas, work on your
writing, or express any concerns you may have about the class or your performance in it.