This module introduces students to the ‘graphic memoir’ (or autobiographical comic book) genre, which, over the past 40 years, has become an increasingly popular way of telling personal stories of considerable complexity and depth. Drawing on concepts from several disciplines, including linguistics, semiotics, multimodality, and literary and narrative theory, the module considers works that cover a broad range of subject matters and employ many different artistic styles. The focus is on the unique formal features of graphic memoirs. We discuss how narrative meaning is made through complex interactions between several semiotic resources, including pictures, the written word, colour, layout, and typography. Students are also taught to do close readings of texts, examining their formal features and locating them in their social, historical and literary contexts.

1. Demonstrate a good knowledge of several different scholarly approaches to visual forms of narrative and an ability to apply them to concrete examples.
2. Understand the social, historical and literary contexts of the production and interpretation of the graphic memoir genre.
3. Do close readings of a small set of graphic memoirs using appropriate theories, concepts and methodologies.

Timetabled sessions include 2 lectures and 1 seminar per week. Lectures are usually supplemented with PowerPoint slides and handouts summarising content at a reasonable level of detail. Handouts are usually made available on Learning Central at least 24 hours before the session. Images, audio and video are used in this module.

During seminars, you may be required to make presentations and/or lead discussion. In this case you will be given sufficient time to prepare and practise your contribution, either before the class or in pair or group work in class.

Both lectures and seminars will often require you to analyse visual examples from graphic memoirs. You will be asked to prepare for seminars by reading extracts from set texts and finding your own relevant examples.

Students are encouraged to discuss any specific access needs with staff in advance of taking this module.
 

A key aim of the module is to increase your argumentative and critical reading skills, which are highly appreciated by the majority of employers.  As graphic memoirs are increasingly being studied in schools and colleges, this module will also be useful for anyone considering a career in teaching.

The module is assessed by coursework only.

Seminar preparation & participation (10%): You will be required to complete set tasks in preparation for each weekly seminar. This will typically involve doing the core readings, applying central concepts to a graphic memoir, and writing short answers to a small number of related questions; this preparation will account for 5% of your mark. The other 5% will be awarded for your active participation in the weekly seminars.

Analysis of extract (15%): This task will allow you to demonstrate your ability to analyse a short extract from a graphic memoir, using appropriate theories and concepts.

Essay (75%): This gives you the opportunity to compare and contrast two graphic memoirs of your choice. The essay should demonstrate a good grasp of the key scholarly approaches to analysing the formal and narrative features of the genre, as well as showing an understanding of the social, historical and literary contexts in which such texts are produced and interpreted. Both pieces of work can be presented in a traditional essay format, but, if you wish, you may also experiment with more creative, multimodal forms of presentation.

Details about the coursework content and assessment criteria will be provided in the Module Outline at the beginning of the module.

The module is assessed according to the general Assessment Criteria set out in the English Language Undergraduate Student Handbook.

Note: The requirements that students demonstrate an ability to analyse graphic memoirs will restrict the availability of alternative forms of assessment as an adjustment for students with disabilities. Otherwise, there are no academic or competence standards which limit the availability of adjustments or alternative assessments.

In common with University regulations, students are allowed two attempts at retrieval of any failed coursework or exam, for a maximum module mark of 40%.  Resit assessments take place over the summer.

• Origins and historical development of the graphic memoir genre
• Representing the self in pictures
• Time and memory in graphic memoirs
• Performing authenticity verbally and visually
• Ways of engaging the reader
• Close readings of extracts from 5 set texts (see below)

Set texts (to be confirmed):

Bechdel, Alison (2006) Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic. London: Jonathan Cape.

Satrapi, Marjane (2006) Persepolis. The Story of a Childhood and The Story of a Return. London: Jonathan Cape.

Small, David (2009) Stitches: A Memoir. New York and London: Norton.

Spiegelman, Art (2003) The Complete Maus. London: Penguin.

Thompson, Craig (2003) Blankets.  Marietta, GA: Top Shelf.

Prescribed textbook and Course Reader:

El Refaie, E. (2012) Autobiographical Comics: Life Writing in Pictures. Jackson: University Press of Mississippi.

This will be supplemented by a Course Reader containing extracts from the set graphic memoirs and additional readings; it will be available from Blackwell’s bookshop at the beginning of the semester.

Other indicative reading:

Beaty, B. (2007) Unpopular Culture: Transforming the European Comic Book in the 1990s. Toronto, Buffalo, London: University of Toronto Press.

Chaney, M. A. (ed.) (2011) Graphic Subjects: Critical Essays on Autobiography and Graphic Novels. Wisconsin, MA and London: Wisconsin University Press.

Chute, H. (2010) Graphic Women: Life Narrative and Contemporary Comics. New York and Chichester, West Sussex: Columbia University Press.

Hatfield, C. (2005) Alternative Comics: An Emerging Literature. Jackson: UPM.

Heer, J. and Worcester, K. (eds.) (2009) A Comics Studies Reader. Jackson: UPM.

Varnum, R. and Gibbons, C.T. (eds.) (2001) The Language of Comics: Word and Image. Jackson:  University Press of Mississippi.

Versaci, R. (2007) This Book Contains Graphic Language: Comics as Literature. New York and London: Continuum.

Witek, J. (1989) Comic Books as History: The Narrative Art of Jack Jackson, Art Spiegelman, and Harvey Pekar. Jackson and London: UPM.

You should contact the module leader as early as possible if you will require readings in an alternative format.