Introduction:

This is a 3-credit elective course that will explore the ins and outs of comics art as a form of visual narrative, where we will investigate the how's and why's of panel placement, color choices, facial expressions, and more!

Each term, the theme of the class changes, and students are encouraged to enroll more than once (if elective credits allow) to learn about a wide variety of formats and genres. This is beneficial for those new to sequential art, looking for an elective, want to improve their own practice, or are preparing for PSU's Comics Studies program!

Spring 2024 Booklist (Required):

• MARVELS BY KURT BUSIEK AND ALEX ROSS
• BATMAN YEAR ONE BY FRANK MILLER AND DAVID MAZZUCCHELLI
• BY CHANCE OR PROVIDENCE BY BECKY CLOONAN
• PRETTY DEADLY VOLUME 1: THE SHRIKE BY KELLY SUE DECONNICK AND EMMA RIOS

You can procure any edition of these books! 

They are all very popular titles that have been in distribution for a while, so there are plenty of used copies available through Powell's, Amazon, Comixology (some titles are free with the app!), Local Comic Book Shops (Floating World Comics, Books with Pictures, Rose City Comics, Cosmic Monkey, Things From Another World), and most are offered for free via HooplaDigital, the app offered the local library systems!

Please contact me if you have any difficulty getting one of the titles, and I am happy to work with you.

Basic Supplies:

• Books listed above
• Computer/internet to participate on Zoom
• Pencil/Color Pencil/Highlighter
• 8.5 x 11 paper
  • Optional Level-up: Smooth Bristol! (8.5x11 or 11x17)
• If you work digitally, that's fine, too! 
• Scanner/camera (a way to upload your work to D2L)
• Printer 
  • Use your PCC Print Credits!
  • FREE Printing at Multnomah County Libraries!
  • Jay can help, too!

Course Overview:

• 11-week course that has weekly virtual sessions on Fridays from 1 - 4 pm, along with work submitted on D2L
  • Review the types of classes at PCC bly clicking here.
  • It is essential to log in to the D2L class during Week 1 of the term.
• "Read, Write, Make" is the motto of the course! 
  • We start the term by reviewing industry-specific terminology and production processes to inform our readings of the required books. 
  • We will spend 2-weeks discussing, analyzing, and being inspired by each book!
  • In each class, you will be presented with a lecture, key terminology, and a hands-on activity.
• There will be weekly assignments due by 11:59 pm Thursdays before our virtual sessions. 
  • The assignments take a variety of formats from writing, art, analysis, slides, and more! 
  • Most of our assignments will be on the D2L Discussion Board and have a Peer Reply component 
• We will have 2 "big" projects:
  • A Midterm research project, where you will perform an in-depth research project based on industry terminology!
  • The Final Project in the class will allow you the opportunity to flex your creative skills and knowledge gained over the term by completing an 8-page mini-comic!

Looking forward to the term!

Jay, Instructor

Your computer

To participate in PCC Online classes, students are expected to be familiar with computers and the Internet. Students are responsible for their own software and computer equipment maintenance and setup.

• Please visit the TECH PANTHER TRACKS before you take any Remote or Online Classes!

Basic system requirements

• Access to a modern computer system with a supported operating system (OS) installed.
• A broadband internet provider or mobile carrier with LTE or better service.
  
  • If your download speed is less than 512 kbps, you may find it frustrating to take your online courses.
• An internet browser is installed on your computer that is preferred by D2L (Firefox or Chrome).
  • Download one of the recommended browsers.

Other software requirements

• Google Apps (Linked to your PCC Gmail Account)
  • Drive, Gmail, Slides, Jamboard, Maps, Streetview
• Screenshots
• D2L
  
  

Resources for Student Preparedness:

• PCC's Online Learning Page: 
  • This is a great landing page that provides information on how online classes work, tips for online success, and where to find help/resources. 
    
    
• PCC's Online Start Guide for Students: 
  • I am hoping that most of you have completed the Online Start Guide -- if not, and you are feeling stressed out about online classes, this is a good place to go to get a foundation in Online Learning at PCC.
    
    
• PCC Panther Tracks:
  • The Student Affairs team has been hard at work revamping the Panther Tracks, the online guide for students at PCC! There are so many valuable resources and links provided in the Panther Tracks that can really help with overall academic success! 

Technology Assistance!

Need help with technology? Getting internet, a device, or how to use Drive or D2L? This is where you can meet with a DIGITAL NAVIGATOR to get you up to snuff for the new term! Digital navigators are available for 1-on-1 assistance at each campus. You can learn more here.