Faculty: Erin Copple Smith and Peter Marks
Description: The Fantastic Four. The X-Men. The Avengers. The Guardians of the Galaxy. These superheroes and others have captured the imagination for over 50 years. In this course, we will be examining the universe of Marvel Comics, reaching from these superheroes’ origins in comic books to big screen blockbusters to television and beyond. Along the way, we’ll consider transmedia storytelling and the narrative acrobatics it takes to carry a storyline across comic books, TV series, and films. We’ll also look at scholarship discussing the fundamentals of adaptation, the institutional structures of franchising that led to the creation of the Marvel behemoth. And of course we’ll be reading comics and watching TV and movies. In addition to course fee, students will be required to purchase a one-month subscription to Marvel’s digital comic book repository, Marvel Unlimited, and will need to have access to an active Disney+ account.
Meeting Information: 01/04/2021-01/26/2021 On Campus Jan Term Course Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Section Requisites: Course Fee:$15. Estimated out of pocket expense:$17 + printing costs