Course Description

In this hands-on course, students will explore the genre of biography and memoir as expressed through comics. Through readings, written responses, discussion, and hands-on assignments, we will examine the diversity, long tradition, and power of life writing in the comic book medium.


This course is appropriate for all levels of familiarity with drawing and art making. Students will be encouraged to work in a variety of creative media ā€“ but individual project outcomes will be tailored to each studentā€™s specific expertise and interest in the genre. Coursework will focus on learning the ā€œlanguage of comicsā€, ( panels, pages, timing, beats, etc.) with the goal of applying that language to create original sequential illustration projects that combine words and images to tell personal narratives.


Through active, creative practice in the medium, we will examine the relationship between words and images in this exciting form of writing where both parts are meant to be read.


3 Credits, 4 Hours