Graphic Narratives (CWRI90023)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1
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Students will read graphic fiction and non-fiction with a focus on 20th century writers such as Robert Crumb, Art Spiegelman, Alison Bechdel, Chris Ware, Marjane Satrapi, Charles Burns, Bruce Mutard and Shaun Tan. Students will also read into comics theory, cultural theory, and contemporary criticism of the medium, and discuss the history and innovations of this emerging field of writing practice. Students will work to produce their own original graphic narrative: this can be fictional, autobiographical, biographical or journalistic. Guest educators will present intensive masterclasses on drawing and storyboarding; no prior artistic experience is required. 

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Apply advanced theoretical, aesthetic, and analytic skills to interpreting the graphic fiction and non-fiction works of key 20th century writers
  • Discuss comics theory and cultural theory
  • Articulate a sound working knowledge of the history and contemporary directions of the emerging genre of the graphic narrative
  • Originate group discussions and collaborative learning concerning the history and innovations of the emerging field of graphic fiction writing
  • Produce original graphic narratives

Generic skills

Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to: 

  • Engage in critical thinking and analysis
  • Think creatively
  • Demonstrate openness to new ideas
  • Show developed skills in communicating thoughts and knowledge
  • Show excellence in written communication
  • Demonstrate time management and planning skills
  • Show understanding of practices and ethics in the field of creative writing. 

Last updated: 4 March 2025