If you were to teach a class on ...?

Question

If you were to teach an ENGLISH class (cross posted in art and design maybe) on Comics and Animation, what would be your curriculum? Keep in mind that it would be an overview and introduction class and should focus on story (theme, plot, structure, narrative balance, things like that) so some popular and 'seminal' works may not be appropriate. Popular series would have to have a segment that stands completely alone to be acceptable (perhaps strong introductory novellas?). The majority of the classwork should be on comics and manga, leaving the anime/animation for the next level class.

I'm thinking that the first week would be something like "Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art" by Scott McCloud (which I haven't read yet but probably will soon, so if you have a better idea, feel free to say so) and something to explain manga (no current clues what though).

I am not trying to get you to do my homework, I am curious what people consider the most important works.

THANKS!!!

video games would be it's own class, individual serials (like dbz or gundamW) would not be used unless they were a good representation of the *majority* of their group or field (which I'm not sure either of those are, if you only had two days to talk about all of japanese manga, would you spend one day on each?).

Answer 1

There are several sites w/ good essays on the subject. I'd use some of them to get started (links below). I also tend to come at this from a Popular Culture Studies perspective (I went to Bowling Green State University for a while).

First, I'd talk about the importance of MYTH and STORY to people. From ancient times (Gilgamesh) through the Bible (Jesus' parables) to now (blockbuster movies, comics, etc), stories do several things:
Help people make sense of the world
Help people find their place in the world
Identify good vs evil, and other conflicts
Help people relate to each other

Comics do this as well. (1 week)

Then I'd discuss some history of comics and comic books, include political cartoons, sunday funnies, pulp fiction, Golden Age, Silver Age, Modern Age, etc. (1 week)

Then I'd take a few story arcs and discuss them, w/ some emphasis on historical context:
Superman's origin (1 week)
Changes to Superman (from leaping to flying, increase in powers/strength, toning down of powers) (1 week)
Batman's origin (tied w/ Zorro). Also include early Batman's use of guns.(1 week)
Spiderman's origin (1 week)
Marvel/Stan Lee's fascination w/ radiation (Spiderman, Hulk, DD, FF, etc) (1 day)
Super Teams: JSA(WWII), JLA, Avengers (rest of week)
X-Men: Compare/contrast original Stan Lee incarnation vs. Claremont incarnation+
First 30 issues of Claremont's X-men (2 weeks)
Death/Return of Superman (1 week)
Kingdom Come (1 week)

Modern Comic industry+ pop culture: Movies, TV, etc. (2 weeks)

I also might try to tie in other literature as a possible influence on comics: Greek & Norse mythology, Dracula, Frankenstein, Wylie's Gladiator on the Hulk (at least the movie adaptation)

That's pretty extensive, may have to shuffle some stuff around, and include some of the other stuff you're talking about (like the understanding comics, that's pretty useful)

Answer 2

Some interesting topics:
Street Fighter
Marvel Comics
DC Comics
Dragon Ball Z
Gundam Wing

I think those are good.

Answer 3

Marvel Comics
DC Comics
RPG's-Vampires
Werewolves
DND

Answer 4

video games!