Introduction:

In this class, one of the key questions we are exploring is the following:  “Why are authors and artists drawn to the graphic narrative genre to explore moments of conflict or crisis?”  Through our readings and discussion in class, I am sure that we will come to some answers to that question.  However, I’m also interested in having us explore that question experientially, and to that end I am asking you to develop your own idea about a graphic narrative that you could write about a conflict or crisis that you are connected to in some way.  This project will span the entire course, and it will include several parts, all focused on the same topic.  As parts of the project, you will articulate your own connection to the topic, research its history, analyze existing texts, create your own work of art, and produce an artist statement.  You will turn in pieces of this assignment throughout the semester for feedback, and you will collate all of the pieces together at the end for a final evaluation.  Creating a graphic narrative ourselves will no doubt give us deeper insights into the genre’s storytelling possibilities, particularly when exploring fraught historical moments. 

Assignment:

The parts of the semester-long assignment are as follows: 

• Part 1:  Personal Connection.  For your first writing assignment, you will identify a moment of historical crisis to write about.  As we will discuss in class, most of the authors who write these kinds of graphic novels have a personal connection to their topic, having experienced it themselves, having learned about it from a family member or close friend, or feeling connected to the topic through geographical proximity or another point of connection.  In this personal essay, you will narrate your connection to the topic and explain its interest to you.  (3 pages)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
• Part 2:  Historical Context.  For this part of your project, you will research your topic.  Although you have a personal connection to it, what can you find out about it through other sources?  I will expect you to consult reputable library sources and/or to conduct interviews to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the moment of crisis.  (4 pages)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
• Part 3: Textual Influences.  As you write this section, you will consider what ideas and techniques you would like to borrow (or avoid) from the texts we have experienced as part of the class as you start creating your own graphic text.  This section will require deep critical thinking, as you will want to consider both artistic and literary choices (as well as the relationship between the two).  In addition to citing your influences, you will analyze the effects of the other artists’ choices as you consider the effects you would like them to have in your own text.  (4-5 pages)                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
• Part 4:  Graphic Narrative.  This piece will be your own work of art—the equivalent of about one chapter of the overall story you envision.  (You can choose whether to give a section from the beginning, middle, or end).  You may draw your panels by hand or on the computer.  I do not expect artistic greatness, but instead will be looking for creativity, thoughtfulness, and sincere effort.  (Length will vary.)                                                                                                                                                                                                     
• Part 5:  Artist Statement.  In your final section, you will offer an artist statement.  This genre of writing is basically a written introduction to a work of art.  Think about using your artist statement to communicate what you want a reader to know or understand, or to answer questions that someone might have about it.  You might address what inspired you, what’s unique or special about your graphic text, and what it means to you.  (1-2 pages)
   

As the due dates for each of these sections approaches, I will provide more information about what these sections should include and about what I expect.  

Joanne Janssen, Baker University