•    Thu 10-12 B4118 (Miettinen)

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 form of comics and its visual analysis, and discuss such superhero-related issues as audience and fandom, the representation of women, the role of the villain and the relevance of the superhero in a post- 9/11 world. While the entire genre is discussed, textual examples will focus more on superhero comics published from 1980s onwards. Students are also encouraged to introduce superhero texts of their choice to the class.

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 the 2008 feature film Iron Man by Jon Favreau.

Assessment: group participation, class presentation, final essay of 10-12 pages.

http://www.uta.fi/ltl/en/english/studies/options.html