English 24

Book List

McCloud, Scott: Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art (Paradox Press, 2000); Sacco, Joe: Palestine (Seattle Fantagraphics Books, 2001)

Description

“The landmark work of comics journalism,” Joe Sacco’s Palestine is “a political and aesthetic work of extraordinary originality.”  In this seminar, we will devote ourselves to a close reading of Palestine, informed by comics scholarship.  Maintaining an open and inclusive discussion, we will consider the comics form and its possibilities for reportage and narrative, Sacco’s representation of the Occupied Territories, and Sacco’s self-representation in relation to his encounters with diverse Palestinian perspectives.  Students should be prepared for active participation and at least 6 pages of informal writing.

This 1-unit course may not be counted as one of the twelve courses required to complete the English major.