The Graphic Novel as Visual Literature

Education facts

Code: KK180A

This course is a theory-focused course within the area of comics and literature, with strong emphasis on analysis of visual style as element of the narrative in graphic literature / graphic novels. It is not a literary history course nor does it include major comics production-exercises, it rather focuses on analysing and contextualising graphic novels, and on applying visual and literary theory. <br> The course looks into the history, cultural contexts and current definitions of the Novel and Graphic Novel and their application to a selection of examples which will be worked with in depth. Also, it includes minor exercises in translation and re-assembly to help understand consequences of decisions in the placement of narrative elements and their specific design as not only the pacing of events and choice of points of view but also decisions about graphic style have massive consequences for the distinct voice within a comic's narrative. <br> The course looks into the use of the term graphic novel, into attempts to define it in different cultural contexts. The dominating approaches from Franco-Belgian as well as Anglo-American comics research are discussed to develop a more substantial definition. The course provides a focus on narrative and literary qualities of the graphic novel, including the visual as well as the textual.

Entry requirements

The equivalent to English 6/English level 2 in Swedish upper secondary school *and* 60 hp in Fine Arts, Social Science or Humanities.

Education offerings

Each offering has its own dates and conditions. Closed offerings are retained as history and do not mean that a new application is open.

• The Graphic Novel as Visual Literature

  Malmö University

  MALMÖ

  Start date: 18 January 2027

  End date: 6 June 2027

  Pace of study: 50 %