English 289 - Writing and Making Comics

This course focuses primarily on writing scripts: pitching, outlining, drafting and editing. The course examines the ways in which politics, current events, race, gender and cultural equality have shaped iconic comics and many of the best works published today. Students study Marvel and industry standard scripts, but there are multiple ways of creating a script and subsequent comics. Those who write and draw (as opposed to only write or only draw) may have completely different methodologies. Students need not have skills as illustrators. Students gain a basic understanding of drawing comics, collaborating with visual artists, and comic book layout and design. Students should be prepared to draw and write at every class meeting. Enrollment limited to 12. Writing sample required. Instructor permission required.