Of Scholarship and Sequential Art

In case any of you are curious, here are the comic book-related courses available in my college's "democratic education" program this semester:

The Physics of Superheroes
"Everything you need to know about physics can be learned from comic books. The purpose of this course is to examine and understand superhero abilities through the application of elementary physics principles. This is your opportunity to learn physics the fun way. Please visit the course website for more information."

*Accurate* science in superhero comics? Where's the fun in that?

While I have no interest in enrolling in this course, I might sit in on one or two classes just to see what it's all about.

Superheroes and real-world physics. Huh.

Batman as American Mythology
"This class studies Batman as a form of legitimate literature. We will study Batman through 3 perspectives: history of Batman, psychology of Batman, and Batman’s place in America’s mythological canon.

"You don’t have to be a Batman guru (nor do you have to be familiar with him at all!), so whether you’ve memorized every issue or have only seen three episodes of “Batman Beyond,” you’re all eligible. Any necessary readings will be assigned (for a DISCOUNT at Comic Relief!!!!!!!!!), and necessary movies/episodes will be shown in class.

"At least once a week, we will show an episode or movie in class.

"PS. This is the final semester this course will be offered with any of the original, founding facilitators."

This course spends over 50% of its total classtime watching Batman cartoons/movies. They spend more time doing so than not. If you're someone living in the local area, feel a burst of pride at knowing this is your tax dollars at work.

Don't get me wrong, the facilitators for this class are cool folks. It's not like there aren't other democratic education courses just as lax. The fault is with the democratic education program and its low standards.

Comic Book, Manga, and Graphic Novel Techniques
"Every week will deal with a different aspect of the comic book-making process.

"We will go over basic concepts in the history of comics, script writing, basic drawing skills, panel continuity, character design, penciling, inking, lettering, cover art, and other stuff too.

"The final project is to MAKE your own 12-page comic book. There will be short 1-page assignments throughout the semester. These will be intermittent and painless, we promise.

"Class meets once a week, for 90 minutes. The first half hour will be lecture/discussion, with the rest of the time opening up for working on your comic and getting peer input. The idea is to create a friendly environment where aspiring comic book writers/artists can share their cool ideas with each other and bring an idea to fruition.

"Also, this class has optional readings that will be made available at Comic Relief for a discount price."

Superman as American Mythology
"Created in 1938, Superman has grown from a simple comic book character to become one of the greatest pop culture icons in the world.

"This DeCal will explore the characters 68 year history with special emphasis being paid to the characters development, the political and social movements that influenced the character and the philosophy behind the Man of Steel.

"Class will meet on Monday and Wednesday, and every Wednesday will include a media presentation.

"This class is great for the Superman novice as well as the comics afficienado. Readings will include Superman comics by Siegel & Shuster, John Byrne, Jeph Loeb, Brian Azzarello, as well as the Pulitzer Prize winning novel The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon."

I don't know how you can consider yourself a proper Superman class when you don't include Busiek and Immonen's SUPERMAN: SECRET IDENTITY on the reading list.

Bookworlds: Neil Gaiman's The Sandman
"Enter the Dreaming. If you know what that means, want to find out, or just want to earn 2 units reading some of the best fantasy graphic novels ever written, come join us in BookWorlds: The Sandman. This semester we will explore the world of Neil Gaiman’s award-winning series. Originally released in 80 issues from 1988 to 1996, The Sandman chronicles the stories of Morpheus, the personification of Dream and one of the Endless."

Why in Murphy's name is this course listed under Integrative Biology?

I might sit in on one or two classes of this one, too.
***
And this has nothing to do with superhero comics...

Bookworlds: Animorphs: The Ethics of War
"The epic book series has finally come to Cal! We’ll discuss the series; how it portrays warfare, ethics, and heroes; and think about the books’ place in literature. There will be character studies, moral debates, and a guest lecture or two. Relive childhood memories or read the series for the first time, all are welcomed. Join us as we discuss and honor one of the greatest book series of all time!"

...but there's no way I'm not taking this class. I *loved* the series when I was growing up. No, scratch that. I still love it.