IDS 102C - 96348 LM – Comics in American Culture
Instructor: Lance Eaton
Meets: Tuesday, Thursday, 12:30PM-1:45PM
Office Hours: By Appointment
Lynn Campus: McGee LE234
Leaton01@northshore.edu - 617-824-0472
"It was impossible, therefore, to classify comic magazines as either 'good' or 'bad.' Like other publications, each must be
judged on its own merits, and criteria will have to be based upon the nature of the medium itself, which can and must have
standards of its own."
Josette Frank, “What's In the Comics,” Journal of Educational Sociology. V18, N4 (Dec, 1944. 214-222
Description: This course looks to broaden the understanding and appreciation for the medium of comic
art. Students will learn about the history and phenomenon of comics from the late 19th century to the
present day. The course will explore a variety of themes and ideas such as the “classics,” artistic styles,
genres, symbolism, the industry, and different cultural uses of comic art. Students will learn to identify
and understand the use of different styles and genres as well as strengthen analytical skills for all media.
Instructional Objectives: Using comic books as a theme, this course combines literature, history,
cultural studies, and other disciplines to gain a full understanding of this legitimate medium of
communication. Students will be encouraged to deconstruct imagery, challenge history as it is presented,
assess narrative styles, and other skills that can be used in numerous other classes. By the end of this
class, students should be capable of analyzing visual media; assess the subtext and critique the style of
narrative.
1. Through lectures, discussions and readings in world history, students will develop an understanding of
the dynamics of sequential art.
2. Through class discussions and other critical assessments of readings students will demonstrate
analytical skills necessary to navigate different interpretations of comic art.
3. Through written assignments and discussion students will learn to analyze comic art as a medium of
communication and a form of literary art.
4. Through class discussions, readings, and writing assignments students will examine the history of
comics and understand comics’ place in the larger popular culture.
5. Through written assignments, discussions and presentations, students will strengthen communication
and comprehension skills.
6. Through written assignments and discussion students will learn, compare and contrast different
scholarly work on comic art.
7. Through course assignments, students will learn to critique, evaluate, and cite print, electronic and
multimedia sources.
Goals:
1. Students will develop an understanding of the historical origins of comic books and popular culture
relevant to the medium.
2. Students will gain awareness of how comics operate as a medium.
3. Students will acquire and develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
4. Students will develop effective written and oral communication skills.
REQUIRED TEXTS
Scott McCloud. Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art. Harper Paperbacks. 1994. 978-0060976255
Randy Duncan; Matthew J. Smith. The Power of Comics: History, Form and Culture. Continuum . 2009. 9780826429360
Alan Moore; Dave Gibbons. Watchmen. DC Comics. 1995. 978-0930289232
Art Spiegelman. The Complete Maus : A Survivor's Tale. Pantheon. 978-0679748403
David Mazzucchelli. Asterios Polyp. Pantheon. 978-0307377326
Alison Bechdel. Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic. Mariner Books. 978-0618871711
Bill Willingham & Mark Buckingham. Fables: The Deluxe Edition Book One. 978-1401224271
ASSIGNMENTS
Particpation
Inclass Writing
Course Blog
Response paper (2X)
Group Presentation/Create a Comic
Article Analysis
Final Project (What Is a "Graphic Narrative")
10%
10%
10%
20%
15%
15%
20%
Participation – 10%: Participation is not just showing up. To earn these points, students must come prepared for
class which includes the following: Doing the reading and accompanying homework; Engaging in class discussion;
Posing relevant questions or problems about the reading; and having the proper classroom tools (pen/pencil, paper,
the readings for that day, homework, etc).
Credit for participation can take several forms, including relevant questions, observations about readings,
discussions and other course-related material, as well as speculating on ideas, concepts, and themes in the course.
Wrong answers will often count if they show the student is critically thinking. That is, it is ok to put yourself out
on a limb or to make an educated guess. Saying “Homer was a Roman poet,” may be wrong, but shows the student
is putting in an effort. Saying “Homer is the dude on the Simpsons.” is not.
Another option for students is to post in the Discussion section online in the WebCT course. See
guidelines.
Inclass Writings – 10%: Students will have occasional homework and regular inclass-writing assignments
throughout the semester.
Course Blog – 10%: Students will be required to post at least 5 substantial posts to the course blog. See
guidelines.
Article Analysis – 15%: Students will write a 1000 word essay exploring the significance of an article on comics.
Guidelines to follow.
Response Paper (X2) – 20%: Students will write two response papers (1000 words each) based upon graphic
novels. 1 must be based upon one of the course GNs (not Understanding Comics), and the second can be one of
student’s choosing (with approval from instructor). Guidelines to follow.
Group Presentation/Create a Comic – 15%: Students will have the option of creating their own comic by
themselves with 1 other person OR working with a partner to present a topic to the class relating to
comics. Guidelines to follow.
Research Project – 20%: Students will write a 2000 word essay on some facet of comics. Guidelines to
follow.
Paper assignments are due via school email by 11:59PM on the day listed in the syllabus.
All assignments are to be turned in on time. Exceptions may be granted but must be granted before the due date.
Late assignments will be dropped a full-letter grades for each day they are not passed in. All major assignments
(Papers) must be passed in or the student will receive an incomplete or “F.”
For submitting assignments via email:
Email’s time stamp (not student’s computer) must be 11:59PM or earlier.
File must be saved as .rtf, .doc, .docx (or not considered on time)
Must be sent from student’s North Shore Community College Email Address
Must be sent to leaton01@northshore.edu
Document must be named: First Last Name – Assignment
John Smith – Response Paper 1
John Smith – Response Paper 2
ATTENDANCE AND TARDINESS
All absences will affect the student’s overall grade. Students are expected to come to every class. Also,
accumulated tardiness will negatively affect the student’s grade. The impact of absences and tardiness is calculated
with regards to their overall performance.
Attendance is taken at the beginning of class. It is the late student’s responsibility to make sure they are marked for
attendance at break or at the end of class (Do not interrupt class time to make sure you are marked; wait until after
class or during break). Once the instructor leaves for the day, if the late student is not marked for attendance, the
student will be considered absent.
It’s imperative to show up on time. At the beginning of class, the instructor administers inclass reading
assignments and these cannot be made up. Students will receive an absence for every 3rd tardiness. NOTE: It is
NOT RECOMMENDED to take this course, if you have another course that ends on another campus 10-15 minutes
prior to the start of this class.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS CLASS
Payment and attendance do not guarantee success. Payment grants access to the class. Attendance helps
significantly in success, but significant academic inquiry is needed to pass this class. Learning is not a passive
activity.
Students who come to class unprepared (without pen, paper, and the class readings for the day), will be asked to
leave; it will count as an absence.
"I did not know" is not a valid excuse when said information is provided in the syllabus, course guidelines or other
such material.
While your work is appreciated, it must actually meet the assignment requires. If the assignment calls for an
exploration of Art Spigelman and his works, and you write about Harvey Pekar, you will fail the assignment, no
matter how excellent of a paper it is. It's vitally important that you read the assignment guidelines (well in advance
of the due date) and be proactive with your assignments.
Meeting the minimum requirements for an assignment (particularly length or word count) does not guarantee a
passing grade. Higher graded-papers must demonstrate significant competency of the subject matter and the ability
to communicate that competency in standardized writing.
Using ANY outside source (website, newspaper, bathroom doodle) for information/understanding/interpretation
does constitute research and will be expected to be cited within the written work along with an accompanying
Works Cited page with full bibliographic information. Any draft (graded or just being reviewed) must properly
acknowledge all external material/influences contained within the paper. Failure to do so will constitute
plagiarism.
TECHNOLOGY GUIDELINES
The inability to work a technology (such as email, a word document, or a courseware program such as
WebCT/Blackboard) needs to be ironed out in the student's own time. As a college classroom in the 21st century, it
is taken for granted that students know or will take the time learn to use these tools for the purpose of their degree.
For additionally technical help, consult the school's IT services through the school's website or at one of the
computer labs.
As a matter of taking this course, you are allotted a school email address. It is the expectation that you check this
email a few times a week. Students should become accustomed to using it as a means of communication for
college and professional life. Additionally, the student’s school email address is the only acceptable email to
contact the instructor; the instructor will not respond to ANY email from students unless from a school
address.
Besides the books, there will be additional material—all of which can be accessed (along with copies of this
syllabus and assignment guidelines) on the Web-course program; WebCT/Blackboard. Students will be expected to
have read and when relevant, printed out these materials for class. Students can access WebCT/Blackboard through
Navigator.
Cellphones, pagers, and other electronics must be turned off during class—this includes text messaging. They
should be removed and remain out of sight for the duration of the class. Any student caught texting in class will be
required to leave—this will count as an absence. Repeated offenses will result in the student being banned from the
class until the student meets with the instructor.
Laptops are accepted for educational use within the classroom but please be respectful and use only programs
relevant to the class. This means that students caught using IM, emailing, or other unnecessary programs will be
asked to cease or to leave the class. If a student (or students around that student) appears too distracted by the
laptop, the student will be asked to turn it off. Additionally, students choosing to use a laptop during class will be
expected to email the professor their notes at class’s end. Failure to email the instructor notes will result in the
student not being allowed to use their laptops in class.
ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS
Communication is key. Keeping the instructor informed ahead of time of any problems/issues (personal or
academic) will better ensure understanding.
Debate and discussion are welcomed. However, personal attacks, insults, or any kind of instigating or improper
remarks will not be tolerated. Please respect your fellow classmates.
If for any reason class is cancelled on short notice, consult your school email for changes.
Students are expected to keep all graded papers and coursework through the end of the semester.
The instructor reserves the right to reject assignments that do not meet the basic criteria of the assignment and/or
college level writing.
If it becomes apparent that students are not doing the readings, the instructor reserves the right to administer
unannounced quizzes as well as change the syllabus and course requirements at any point in the semester.
PLAGIARISM AND ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
NSSC’s policies, defines plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, the use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the
published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgement. It also includes the
unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or
other academic materials. This would also include material that is obtained from the computer.
For further information, please consult the NSSC’s official policy
http://www.northshore.edu/services/support/student_handbook.pdf
For guidance in properly citing, please make use of NSSC Not So Bare Essentials: Citing Guide
http://www.northshore.edu/services/support/study_sk/bare_essentials.pdf
It is also recommended that students read through the following site for further explanation:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/589/01/
In this class, students must cite all material including the course texts in their major assignments. For any
material that the student uses that is not directly drawn from course material, the student must provide a Works
Cited and full citation for the material. Failure to do so is plagiarism.
Anyone caught plagiarizing will automatically fail the assignment, and be reported. The instructor reserves
the right to fail the student for plagiarizing.
ADA Policies and procedures are followed for Students Who Are Differently Abled:
North Shore Community College welcomes students with disabilities to engage in an interactive,
collaborative partnership with Disability Services and faculty in order to meet your educational and
academic needs. If you have a disability-related need for reasonable academic accommodations in this
course and have not yet met with a Disability Counselor, please visit www.northshore.edu/disability and
follow the outlined procedure to request services.
If Disability Services has formally approved you for an academic accommodation in this class, please
present me with your “Faculty Notice of Academic Accommodations” during the first week of the
semester, so that we can address your specific needs as early as possible.
If you will require assistance during an emergency evacuation on campus, please notify me immediately.
For your reference, evacuation procedures are posted in all classrooms.
The Grading System
Faculty members will award the following grades to students. The Quality Points for each grade are listed. The raw score
range is a guideline for faculty.
Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
Quality Points
4.0
93-100
3.7
90-92
3.3
87-89
3.0
83-86
2.7
80-82
2.3
77-79
2.0
73-76
1.7
70-72
1.3
67-69
1.0
63-66
0.7
60-62
0
Below 60
F - No credit due to failure to meet course requirements as indicated by raw score guidelines. The grade will be calculated into
CPQA as 0 Quality Points.
P - Awarded only to those predetermined and designed Pass-Fail courses. A ‘P’ grade for a credit course receives no quality
point and is not used in computing a student’s CQPA. An ‘F’ grade will be assigned for performance below minimum
standards.
AU (Audit grade; no credits earned) - The deadline to audit a course is not later than the end of the 3rd week of classes. The
withdrawal date for courses that run on an alternative schedule should be confirmed with the Instructor or the Enrollment
Center.
IP (In Progress) – Awarded to students who have contracted with the course instructor to complete course requirements by an
agreed date, or at the latest, by the 12th week of the next 15-week semester? If the requirements are not completed by the
agreed date or by the end of the 12th week of the following 15-week semester, the “IP” will be changed to an “F”. It is the
responsibility of the student to initiate contact with the instructor toward the end of a semester to request an “IP Contract.” An
“IP Contract” form must be filled out by both student and faculty member and each party must keep a copy. An “IP” grade
does not affect the student’s academic standing or satisfactory progress record for the semester in which it is granted.
W ( Withdraw) - Formal withdrawal from the course by the end of the 12th week of classes or by the end of the 4th week of
summer session; no credit is given and the student must retake the entire course to receive credit. The withdrawal date for
courses that run on an alternative schedule should be confirmed with the Instructor or the Enrollment Center.
DATE
9/9
9/14
9/16
9/21
9/23
9/28
9/30
10/5
10/7
10/12
10/14
10/19
10/21
10/26
10/28
11/2
11/4
ASSIGNMENT
INTRODUCTION
McCloud, Ch 1
Smith, Ch 1
Smith, Ch 2
Smith, Ch 3
Action Comics #1*
McCloud, Ch 2-3
Smith, Ch 6
McCloud, Ch 4-6
Smith, Ch 12
McCloud, Ch 7-9
Smith, Ch 7
Smith, Ch 4, 5, 8
SELECTION SHEET DUE
Smith, Ch 9
Assigned Chap from Wertham’s “Seduction”
North - A National Disgrace*
Maus I
Maus II
ARTICLE ANALYSIS DUE (Friday,
October 15)
Young - Holocaust as Vicarious Past *
Laga - Maus Holocaust and History*
WATCHED: Charlie Rose interview with
Spigelman*
Smith, Ch11
Comic - Harvey Pekar - The Terminal Years*
Fun Home, Ch 1-5
Fun Home, Ch 6-7
Watson - Autographic Discolsure in Fun
Home*
RESPONSE PAPER #1 DUE (FRIDAY,
OCTOBOER 29)
Smith, Ch 10
Comics on WebCT/Blackboard*
Genter - Cold War Culture and Marvel
Comics*
Watchmen Ch 1-2
11/9
Watchmen Ch 2-6
11/11
NO CLASS
11/16
Watchmen Ch 7-10
11/18
Watchmen Ch 11-12
Dubose - Holding Out for a Hero*
RESPONSE PAPER #2 DUE (FRIDAY,
TOPIC
What Are Comics?
Comic History Part I
VIEWING: Gertie the Dinosaur
Comic History Part II
VIEWING: Batman serial
The Language and Grammar of Comics Part I
The Language and Grammar of Comics Part II
Research Comics; Using School Resources
Fan Culture and Comics
VIEWING: Simpsons Episode
Horror Comics: A Case Study
VIEWING: Tales From the Crypt
Maus
Maus
Maus
VIEWING: Excerpt from American Splendor
Fun Home
Fun Home
Superhero Comics
Watchmen
Watchmen
VIEWING: Episode 5 of Watchmen, Motion
Comic
Watchmen
Watchmen
11/23
11/24-28
11/30
12/2
12/7
12/9
12/14
12/16
12/20
NOVEMBER 19)
Fables Pg 1-128
THANKSGIVING BREAK
Fables Pg 129-248
Zolkover - Corporealizing Fairy Tales and
Fables*
CREATE A COMIC PROJECT DUE**
Asterios Polyp – ½
Asterios Polyp – Finish
Smith, Ch 13
ROUGH DRAFT OF FINAL DUE
(DECEMBER 10)
Final Comments
NO CLASS
FINAL DUE VIA EMAIL BY 11:59PM
Asterios Polyp
Asterios Polyp
Fables
Fables
Comics Around the World
BY 11:59PM VIA EMAIL