I 320.03 - Fall 2020 - Comics, Graphic Novels & Manga Syllabus

Aug 25, 2026

Uploaded by Rhys

Web-based course syllabus for I 320.03 (Fall 2020) surveying Comics, Graphic Novels, Manga, and other Sequential Art. The course traces the history of Sequential Art from early visual narrative to newspaper cartoons, superheroes, graphic novels, and the future of web comics and visual novels. It emphasizes cultural diversity in the United States, focusing on readings and assignments tied to underrepresented religions, genders, sexualities, and racial backgrounds, supported by critical reflection through writing and art tasks. No prior comics experience required.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages8

Reading Time20 min

AccessFree to download

Course Objectives

Course Road Map

Literature to Purchase and Assignments

Grading Scale

I 320.03-Fall 2020-27027-Web Based Information & People: Comics, Graphic Novels, & Manga Sarah Britt: [sarahbritt@utexas.edu](sarahbritt@utexas.edu) Teaching Assistants: [ta_pool@ischool.utexas.edu](ta_pool@ischool.utexas.edu) [ZOOM Hours:](ZOOM Hours:) [Monday: Noon to 3 PM , CT]* * Email to Schedule Appointment Gunshow-5 years or why make comics [[https://www.gunshowcomic.com/742](https://www.gunshowcomic.com/742])[]](https://www.gunshowcomic.com/742]) INTRODUCTION: This online course is a survey of Comics, Graphic Novels, Manga, and other materials under the umbrella of Sequential Art. The history of Sequential Art will be explored, from early visual narrative development, to newspaper cartoons, superheroes, the Graphic Novel, to the future of web comics and visual novels. In addition to history, students will also become familiar with the genres of Sequential Art, and the artists and writers that have helped define the field of Sequential Art. This class will especially focus on the cultural diversity of Comics and Graphic Novels in the United States through readings created by and for people of different religions, genders, sexualities, and racial backgrounds. The assignments will seek to reinforce understanding about the field of Sequential Art through writing and art assignments. While the various formats of Sequential Art are commonly enjoyed by children and presumed to be material reserved for the young, Sequential Art is for all ages and this class will explore the nuanced mature aspects of Sequential Art. No prior knowledge of comics or artistic ability is required for this course. This course carries the flag for Cultural Diversity in the United States. The purpose of the Cultural Diversity in the United States Flag is for students to explore in depth the shared practices and beliefs of one or more underrepresented cultural groups subject to persistent marginalization. In addition to learning about these diverse groups in relation to their specific contexts, students should engage in an active process of critical reflection. Students should therefore expect a substantial portion of their grade to come from assignments covering the practices, beliefs, and histories of underrepresented cultural groups in relation to comics, graphic novels, webcomics, and Sequential Art in the U.S. COURSE OBJECTIVES: ● Become familiar with the transition from early art and visual narrative media to modern day advances in technology in and around Sequential Art. ● Look into various kinds of minority groups involved in the creation of Sequential Art, and understand how religion, gender, sexuality, and racial identity affect Sequential Art as a whole. ● Evaluate reading materials for various age groups for themes and concepts both intended and unintended, in the context of the time it was published and today. ● Interpret and write about minority creator(s) from an in-depth source. ● Understand and analyze the structure of Sequential Art including page layout, audio and visual cues, panel design, language and word selection, character design, and tool selection by creating small selections of Sequential Art. COURSE ROAD MAP: ● Week 01 [08/26-09/09]: Introduction to the Course ○ Discussion 01: Introduce Yourself ● Week 02 [09/02-09/09]: Pre-Sequential Art & Early Printing ○ Discussion 02 ● Week 03 [09/09-09/16]: Early Comics in Europe and America ○ Discussion 03 ○ One Panel Comic ■ Select Book for Five Page Paper ● Week 04 [09/16-09/23]: Birth of the Comic Book ○ Discussion 04 ● Week 05 [09/23-09/30]: Golden Age of Comic Books ○ Discussion 05 ● Week 06 [09/30-10/07]: Birth of Manga / Manhua ○ Discussion 06 ○ Final Project Proposal ● Week 07 [10/07-10/14]: Silver Age of Comics ○ Discussion 07 ● Week 08 [10/14-10/21]: Big Shōnen Manga ○ Discussion 08 ● Week 09 [10/21-10/28]: Bronze Age of Comics ○ Discussion 09 ○ Four Panel Comic ● Week 10 [10/28-11/04]: Side Note:

FAQs

What topics are covered in this web-based comics course?

The course surveys comics, graphic novels, manga, and other Sequential Art, including the historical development from early visual narrative to modern web comics and visual novels.

How does cultural diversity connect to the course grade?

A substantial portion of the grade comes from assignments that address the practices, beliefs, and histories of underrepresented cultural groups in relation to comics, graphic novels, webcomics, and Sequential Art in the U.S., paired with critical reflection.

What are the main assignment types and their point totals?

Discussions (13, 5 points each), One Panel Comic (15), Four Panel Comic (15), Final Project Proposal (15), Five Page Paper (30), Final Project (60), plus a bonus Final Feedback Discussion (5), totaling 200 points plus bonus points.

Aug 25, 2026

Uploaded by Rhys