WELCOME!

The Graphic Novel Ms. Bakis

How & Why this course happened … Graduate Course- SSU Student Engagement 21 st century literacy Legitimate literature The length of a piece of literature doesn’t determine its worth or complexity. Current, relevant topics for meaningful discussion & authentic writing

Teaching Philosophy Transactional Theory Reader Response (student-centered learning) Focus on practical skills – Writing, Reading, Speaking, Listening – Research, finding and using authoritative sources without plagiarizing – Media literacy & technology use – Critical thinking & self-aware learning (meta- cognitive reflection) Fun, appreciation of story Collaboration & social meaning making

Graphic Novels… are NOT the same as comic books!!!!!! are aimed at an adult audience are complex and thought-provoking include literary elements just like poetry, short stories, and traditional text-only novels engage a variety of students of varying abilities & interests are taught at American colleges & universities

Reading Curriculum Graphic novels, short graphic narratives Elie Wiesel’s holocaust memoir, Night Contemporary essays by Scott Russell Sanders, New Yorker authors, & others Funny in Farsi Independent reading selections Literary criticism Research (non-fiction print and electronic sources)

Writing Curriculum Summer reading response Journal writing/reader response College/personal essay Comparative essays Argument essays (*midterm) Critical analysis essay Autobiographical essay Creative Narratives (fiction and non-fiction) Research project Independent book review Film reviews Blogging, collaborative writing using Google Docs, social networking discussion forum

Journal= Participation Active reading notes Comprehension questions Reflection and reader response Thinking through writing Developing ideas Asking questions Concrete evidence of engagement, learning Class discussion Group work Journal exchange Essay pre-writing & drafting Peer editing Study habit reflection Homework Quizzes on reading and class discussion

Quarterly Portfolio Quarterly reflection on study habits, learning and achievement. Most important summative assessment of learning Due at the end of each quarter Honest account of self as learner Helpful for future goal setting and achievement Acknowledgement of progress! Review of concepts and skills

Tests, Quizzes & Projects Few tests, Several quizzes 1 project per quarter – Q1: research paper on history of comics – Q2: Independent reading project – Q3: Make your own graphic narrative!

Empathy & the human condition

RESEARCH PAPER History of telling stories using images Comics industry Comics and film Focus on major figures in development of medium Comics controversy

The comics medium, sequential narrative, and how we communicate

Heroes, Superheroes, Society and the Individual

Genre study: Memoir Fathers & Sons Unit Global perspectives, Women & Iran, coming of age

Culture & Identity Use of Stereotypes in comics Negative stereotypes Hyperbole & Humor Immigrant experience

Films … Ghost World American Splendor The Road to Perdition The Spirit V for Vendetta Batman: The Dark Knight Persepolis The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Online Resources My Professional website Student Graphic Novel Course site Masconomet’s English Department Page

Contact Information x 1307 HS Room 307

Thank you for coming!