In this seminar, we will explore the idea that comics are as legitimate an art form as painting or poetry. We will ask: How do comics differ from other artistic media? How does reading a comic differ from reading poetry or novels? How have comics influenced, and been influenced by, culture and politics? And what, exactly, makes a comic a comic (and not something else)?
This course is taught by Professor Roy Cook from the Department of Philosophy. Roy Cook has a special interest in philosophical thought about the popular arts (including film, television, comics and cartoons, LEGO sculpture, collectible toys, and tattoos). He has been an avid reader of comic books since he was a child, when Spiderman was his favorite character, although he now prefers darker, more troubled superheroes (such as Batman) and independent comics.
Gopher Grades is maintained by Social Coding with data from Summer 2017 to Summer 2026 provided by the University in response to a public records request