This course will provide an overview of superhero comics from the late 1930s to the present, focusing on the historical, theoretical, and critical arguments that have evolved around the genre. We will approach the genre of superhero comics as a historical and cultural phenomenon, and discuss such superhero-related issues as audiences and fandom, the representation of gender, the role of the villain, and the relevance of the superhero in a post- 9/11 world. While the entire genre is discussed, longer textual examples will focus more on superhero comics published from 1980s onwards.
We will be reading theoretical texts on superheroes as well as excerpts from various superhero comics, including Superman, Batman, Captain America, and Watchmen (each student is expected to purchase a copy of Watchmen, other materials will be provided in photocopies). In addition, we will also be viewing one superhero film.
Assessment: group participation, class presentation, final essay of 7-9 pages.