CHILDREN'S LITERATURE: ADV GRAPHIC, GR. 8-12

Course Details

• Instructor: Duane Arnold
• Grading Method: Letter (Letter)
• Credits: 2
• Department: EDUC (2000)
• Academic Level: K-12 Professionals
• Start/End Dates: 01/26/2026 - 03/22/2026
• Register By: 02/11/2026
• Term: Spring 2026
• Location: Online/Google Classroom
• Instruction Mode: Internet Asynchronous (online class)
• Cost: $200

Description

Read a wide range of graphic novels covering biographies and fantasy. Reflect on what you learn about graphic novels, draw correlations to what you are doing in the classroom, and reflect on past experiences. This course will cover graphic novels (comics) and is targeted at instructors at the high-school grade level. Engage in online conversation weekly with other participants.

Objectives

You will:

• Read and critique books to gain a greater knowledge of literature, draw parallels between the literature and historical events, draw from personal experience, critique and compare graphic novels in terms of quality and content.
• Complete online assessments.
• Engage in weekly discussions regarding the books.
• Complete 10 graphic novels.

Materials

You will be able to locate the following texts at school and public libraries, local bookstores, and online.

• Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud
• The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
• The Sculptor by Scott McCloud
• Death Note Black Edition Volume 1 by Tsugumi Ohba
• The Complete Maus by Art Spiegelman
• Monstress 1: Awakening by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda
• Locke & Key, Vol. 1: Welcome to Lovecraft by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez
• Miss Marvel Vol. 1: No Normal by G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona
• Digger: Chapters 1 and 2 by Ursula Vernon (Webcomic)
• Seconds: A Graphic Novel by Bryan Lee O'Malley

Note

The content in this course was designed with High School students in mind. Since this is the case, mature themes and imagery will be present in some of the Graphic Novels. Please do not register for this class if you are concerned that you will be offended.

Testimonials

• "I REALLY ENJOYED THE DISCUSSIONS WITH THE OTHER STUDENTS IN THIS COURSE. SOME DISCUSSIONS WERE EYE-OPENING FOR ME."
• "I WAS ABLE TO SEE THE BENEFIT OF USING GRAPHIC NOVELS IN MY SPECIAL EDUCATION CLASSROOM, ESPECIALLY FOR DYSLEXIC AND ASD STUDENTS."
• "IT'S A GREAT WAY TO KEEP UP-TO-DATE WITH LITERATURE - EXCELLENT COURSE."
• "I HAVE A NEW PERSPECTIVE AND APPRECIATION FOR THE ROLE OF GRAPHIC NOVELS IN ENGAGING RELUCTANT READERS."
• "EXCELLENT NEW IDEAS FOR AN OLD SCHOOL LITERATURE TEACHER."
• "EVERYTHING WAS EXPLAINED FROM THE BEGINNING AND IT WAS EASY TO FOLLOW."
• "I ENJOYED BEING ABLE TO READ SO MANY GRAPHIC NOVELS. I LIKED HOW THERE WAS A VARIETY AND APPRECIATED HOW THE QUESTIONS WE RESPONDED TO WERE FOCUSED ON THE GRAPHIC NOVELS. THE DISCUSSIONS GAVE A CHANCE TO RELATE THE TOPICS OF GRAPHIC NOVELS TO EVENTS IN OUR OWN LIVES."
• "I REALLY LIKED THE DISCUSSION PIECE. IT IS NICE TO INTERACT WITH COLLEAGUES EVEN WHEN WE ARE DOING REMOTE INSTRUCTION."
• "EXPLORING GRAPHIC NOVELS IS SOMETHING THAT I HAVE WANTED TO DO FOR A LONG TIME. I WAS SO APPRECIATIVE THAT A COURSE LIKE THIS EXISTED FOR ME."
• "COURSE HAS A GREAT DEAL OF MEANINGFUL CONTENT THAT ALL SCHOOL STAFF COULD UTILIZE AND BENEFIT FROM IN THEIR ROLE."
• "THIS COURSE WILL HELP YOU UNDERSTAND STUDENT INTEREST BETTER AND MAY EVEN CREATE A NEW INTEREST."
• "GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GRAPHIC NOVELS AND READ ENGAGING TEXTS. ALSO TO DISCUSS THESE TEXTS WITH OTHERS AND DELVE INTO THEMES AND AUTHOR'S CRAFT WAS HELPFUL AND CHALLENGING."

North Dakota State University

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Overview:

North Dakota State University (NDSU) is a public, land-grant, research university located in Fargo, North Dakota. It is a top-ranked R1 institution, known for its commitment to student-focused learning and its dedication to research. NDSU provides affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordable Education:

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Academic Programs:

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Other:

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