GSS 373 / AMS 383 / ENG 332: The Graphic Memoir

Alfred Bendixen, Ph.D.

An exploration of the graphic memoir focusing on the ways specific works combine visual imagery and language to expand the possibilities of autobiographical narrative.  Through our analysis of highly acclaimed graphic memoirs from the American, Franco-Belgian, and Japanese traditions, we analyze the visual and verbal constructions of identity with an emphasis on the representation of gender dynamics and cultural conflict.

Reading/Writing assignments:
An average of 200-250 pages of graphic material per week.  Two short papers (approx. five pages or 1500 words), one longer essay (approx. 8-12 pages or 2750-3500 words), a short presentation on an author not covered in the syllabus; and a take-home final exam.

Requirements/Grading:

Oral Presentation - 10%
Take Home Final Exam - 20%

Short Papers - 30%

Term Paper - 25%
Class/Precept Participation - 15%

Graded A-F, P/D/F, Audit

Information on Paper Assignments will be handed out later in the term.  In most cases, the longer essay will be a revision and expansion of one of your shorter papers.

Reading Schedule:

Part I  Graphic Women

Feb 8    Introduction: Alison Bechdel, Fun Home (2006)

Feb 15   Bechdel,(continued);  Liz Prince, Tom Boy

                        Select text for oral report.

Feb 22   Marjane Satrapi, Complete Persepolis

March 1  Jennifer Hayden, The Story of My Tits

Class visit by author/artist

Part II   Graphic Holocaust

March 8   Art Spiegelman, Maus I

            First Short Paper Due

Mar  15   Art Spiegelman, Maus II

Spring Break

Mar 29  Miriam Katin, We are on Our Own

                            Class visit by author/artist

Apr 5  Keiji Nakazawa, Barefoot Gen, vol. 1

Part III  Graphic Demons

Apr12   David B., Epileptic (L'Ascension du Haut Mal)

Second Short Paper Due

Apr 19  Craig Thompson, Blankets

Apr 26  Ellen Forney, Marbles

May 3  Shigeru Mizuki, Nonnonba

Term Paper Due:  Dean’s Date May 16th

Take Home Final Exam:  May 22 or earlier

Alfred Bendixen, Princeton University