The focus of this course is less with superheroes and more with the way in which the graphic novel engages the representation of global sites of conflict and atrocity. Starting with the Jewish Holocaust and working our way to Palestine, Lebanon, Israel and New York (9/11), we examine how the graphic novel takes up such ethical problems as the limits of representation, the relationship between fiction and testimony, as well as that between trauma, memory and mourning. We also deal with questions of moral responsibility and accountability with regard to acts of torture. While these will be our predominant concerns, we also look into how graphic novels self-referentially comment upon the process of artistic composition.
4
UnitsOptional
Grading1, 2, 3
PasstimeNone
Level LimitLetters and science
CollegeSamolsky has been my favorite prof so far. He is clear in his grading (participate in class!!) and gives the option of 1 or 2 papers. All you gotta do is read the comics, participate in class, and save some good ideas for your essays. Classes are usually seminar setting and he makes sure to learn everyone's names which is rare and really nice!
While the premise of this class is very good, Samolsky is a VERY difficult lecturer to follow. He is looking for the "right" answer in a discussion-sized class, which is frustrating and can make the class hard to participate in. This course was frustrating, with only 2/3 graded items (participation + final paper (or a midterm/final paper combo)).
It's stressful that the class is just two papers and participation, but I loved Samolsky as an introduction to upper division English. He's really knowledgeable and I swear he improved my vocabulary. I really like that he is a professor who seems genuinely interested and excited by what you have to say, he never cuts you off when you're talking.
Good seminar. Lot of reading but the books are all short. Felt like a good capstone to my degree. One 15 page paper like any seminar but numerous prompts were given with the option to choose our own as well. Graded fairly, you'll get the grade you deserve. Take if you want a seminar with a great author handled by a great prof
One midterm, one final. takes attendance but wasnt transparent with our participation grades. Some of the books seemed outside of the scope of the class. don't give away all ur good ideas in class bc he requires new, original, unheard of ideas for your paper so u can't repeat what u said in class even if it was YOU who brought it up initially.
I absolutely loved having Professor Samolsky; he definitely changed the ball game in terms of class-taking and being an English major for me. For the first time I've decided to take classes based on brilliance of the professor, more than an easy A. Professor Samolsky was inspirational, brilliant, eloquent, and extremely chill. I love him!
Teresa Shewry
4.8
Yunte Huang
3.1