Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines works of popular fiction by Indigenous authors, and their use of specific genres (e.g. the mystery novel, vampire thriller, sci fi, comic book). Students who have taken FNST 322 under this topic, or FNST 360 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will examine the relationship between word and image in Indigenous graphic novels and comic books. In recent years, graphic novels have enjoyed renewed attention in popular and academic discussions. An especially fascinating and fast-growing manifestation of the genre is the Indigenous comic book/graphic novel. These works raise questions such as: what are the dominant representations of Indigenous people in popular culture and how have artists challenged these representations? To what extent are these texts drawing upon Indigenous traditions of oral storytelling and of material sign-making? How have Indigenous writers used the accessibility of comic book forms to reach wider or more specific audiences? Along with the graphic novels listed below, we will also watch films and read selections of secondary readings that discuss graphic novels, adaptations, Indigenous storytelling traditions and material culture, literacy and audience, and popular cultural representations. Graphic novels and comic books bring to the fore debates about literary value, literacy, and the question of audience; the book market and visual culture; and the relationship between graphic novels and film. Please note: There are four (4) required texts. The other graphic novels that we are reading are available at the SFU library online. In addition, a limited number are available for purchase listed as "recommended readings."

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

-to read, interpret, and creatively engage with Indigenous texts that work at the interface of the visual and the textual
-to understand significant developments and movements in contemporary Indigenous graphic novels in English
-to analyze texts and films across a range of genres and media
-to explore alternate modes of critical thinking through image and text
-to synthesize and evaluate a range of critical approaches to literature, particularly Indigenous literary nationalism, decolonization, and resurgence.
-to recognize complex relationships between texts and contexts (historical, social, cultural, literary)
-to identify challenges posed to literary study by new media and technologies
- to acknowledge the diversity and complexity of Indigenous stories in many forms and formats.

Grading

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

 

 

REQUIRED READING:

RECOMMENDED READING: