ENG 3804 Spring 2023 Hand

This course examines the complex relationships between word and image in texts ranging from medieval illuminated manuscripts to postmodern graphic novels. We will examine reasons for incorporating images into texts; impacts of graphic representations on audience understanding, meaning, and value of texts; and the interplay between text, image, and culture over the centuries and into our current moment. This class will examine a variety of textual formats (manuscript, print, digital), genres, digital databases, and examples of “found” illustrated texts from everyday life.

More specifically, this course will focus on representations of the natural world – that is, the nonhuman beings that surrounds us – in illustrated texts from bestiaries, herbals, fables, emblems, and scientific treatises, to children’s literature, memes, graphic novels, and beyond. This focus will enable students to build a strong foundation of critical thinking skills and knowledge and to achieve course objectives, with potential for application of acquired knowledge and skills in a range of contexts.

Assignments may include (but are not limited to) discussion boards, a creative project, a final research essay, an assignment related to a class visit to special collections, and end-of-unit assessments.

History of Text Technologies (ENG 3803) is a recommended pre-requisite; however, students do not need to have completed that course in order to succeed in this one.

Course Pre-Requisites: ENG 3803 (recommended)

Meets the Genre requirement for LMC.