De Smet Jesuit High School

De Smet Jesuit High School

English IV: Comics and Their Films

21254

Robert Benjamin Bergman

Phone: (314) 567-3500 ext. 411

e-mail: (My email is up from 7:50 am until 6:00pm.)

Homeroom: 217

Activity Period: 217

Meeting Times: 7:40-7:55 am, 2:50-3:15

Course Description:

Comic Books started a world-wide phenomenon from their early inception as “Funny Pages” to the more modern Graphic Novel. They have been vilified, suppressed, banned, and raised to an art form. The class will attempt to define the nature of the comic book and why they receive such positivity in today’s world as opposed to the history of their banishment as “real” literature and how they have been adapted into some of the top grossing films of all time. An analysis of the “types” of comic superheroes will begin the class that will culminate in the discussion of the cultural impact of the comic. – From Ink to Screen

Approach to the Material:

Literature is not only the study of books. It is a study of the human condition at that point in history and how it translates to the modern reader. It is a way to look at the creative past to see our self through the ideas and visions of others and their perspectives of who they were and who we are.

How do you define "Human Condition?"

Social Systems / Philosophical Systems
Technological Systems / Ecological Systems
Political Systems / Psychological Systems
Economic Systems / Artistic Systems

This is also how you define a Literary Period.

A body of literature that reflects these systems helps identify the period. You cannot separate the literature from the time period. It is a paradox of Example and Definition and how they are interrelated.

Education is making connections. Identify why one thing is related to another -- the interrelationship of all things and its effect on all other things. Understanding Science helps in understanding Literature. Understanding Literature helps in understanding Theology. Understanding Theology helps in understanding Philosophy. Understanding Philosophy helps in understanding History. Understanding History helps in understanding Science. Etc. Etc.

English Class is Ignatian . . .

· Jesuit education is a vision which is "Ignatian." The vision certainly, encompasses the entire high school community, and it recognizes that individuals have positive contributions to make to the community.

· Ignatian education allows students to pursue intellectual development to the fullest measure of their God-given talents.

· Ignatian education allows for the full growth of students which leads to action. At DeSmet, students learn that talents are gifts to be developed with the help of God, for the good of the human community.

· Ignatian education is the opportunity for students to explore human values critically and to test their own values experimentally.

· Ignatian education is the preparation for life.

· Ignatian education is love shown in deeds.

· At Jesuit schools, students learn, in light of competition, to distinguish themselves by their abilities to work together, to be sensitive to one another, to be committed to the service of others.

· Students who graduate from Jesuit high schools receive guidance and ongoing formation, we have a commitment to our former students.

Our prime educational objective is to form Men-For-Others, men who cannot even conceive of love of God which does not include love for the least of their neighbors.

We work toward the ideal of the well-rounded Spartan who is intellectually competent, open to growth, religious, loving, and committed to doing justice in generous service to the people of God.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course students will:

·  analyze the impact of popular culture

·  discuss alternative literature

·  discuss alternative art

·  apply archetypal criticism to literary sources

·  discuss social issues/problems addressed in artistic mediums

Course Calendar: subject to change – a more detailed schedule will be available, and updated throughout the course of the semester.

First Quarter / Second Quarter
.Intro
Alien
Vigilante
Police
Amazon/Princess
Innocent / Cowboy
Behemoth
God
Patriot
Justice
Rogue
Final Synthesis Project

Assessment types:

·  Completion of assigned readings.

·  Quizzes and Tests.

·  Several short response papers based on films with reference to readings.

·  Essays.

·  One long project and presentation.

Learning Materials:

Textbooks, Resources, and Films:

All Texts will be supplied by the instructor. A CD or thumbdrive will be required for the course.

Having a Netflix account would be beneficial.

From Ink to Screen: A Study of Comics and their Films. Provided by instructor

Selections from the following:

The Ten-Scent Plague: The Great Comic-Book Scare and How it Changed America by David Hajdu

Film and Comic Books by Ian Gordon

Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art by Scott McCloud

Comic Book Nation: The Transformation of Youth Culture in America by Bradford W. Wright

Our Gods Wear Spandex: The Secret History of Comic Book Heroes by Chris Knowles and Joseph Michael Linsner

Comic Book Nation: the Transformation of Youth Culture in America by Bradford W Wright

The Power of Comics: History, Form and Culture by Randy Duncan

Supergods: What Masked Vigilantes, Miraculous Mutants, and a Sun God From Smallville can teach us about being human by Grant Morrison

Men of Tomorrow: Geeks, Gangsters, and the Birth of the Comic Book by Gerard Jones

The Supergirls:Fashion, Feminism, Fantasy, and the history of the Comic Book Heroine by Mike Madrid

Super Heroes: A Modern Mythology by Richard Reynolds

Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art by Scott McCloud

A Comics Studies Reader by Jeet Heer

Superheroes: Capes and Crusaders in Comics and Film by Roz Kaveney

Holy Superheroes: Exploring Faith and Spirituality in Comic Books by Greg Garrett

The Government Manual for New Superheroes by Matthew David Brozik

Disguised as Clark Kent: Jews, Comics, and the Creation of the Superhero by Danny Fingeroth

Superhero: The Secret Origin of a Genre by Peter Coogan

Other Readings:

Will be supplied from the class website ( http://resources.desmet.org/bergman/index.htm) or Moodle.

Supplies:

Blue or black pens (please reserve all other colors for the teacher)

Notebook or Binder for handouts

Electronic handouts will be found on Moodle

Course Calendar: (a more comprehensive/specified calendar will be provided on Moodle)

Timeframe / Outcomes
Students will understand the following: / Content
Students will be introduced to the following: / Assessment / Materials
Unit 1
Background
Definitions
Controversial
Art
Satire
Seriousness / - why comics are controversial.
- why comics were used by the powers that be to criticize adults and children.
- the seriousness of public consciousness.
- the seriousness of public outcry. / - archetypes.
- the universes of Marvel and DC.
- the background on some of the main characters.
- how comics are defined. / Reflection
Essays
Journal
Presentation / Background Documentaries:
-The History Channel: A History of Comics
-Starz: A History of Comics
Background Books:
-Seduction of the Innocent by Fredric Wertham
-Comic Books and Juvenile Delinquency
Books:
-Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud
-Comics 101
by Scott Tipton
Unit 2
Alien
Superman
/ - the concept of what it means to truly be “alien.”
- learn how to create a story arc.
- discuss how stories work for a culture. / - the creation of the first superhero.
- the importance of Jewish immigrants to the culture of comic books.
- the importance of Superman to the American culture / Reflection
Essays
Journal
Presentation / Superman Films:
Superman: The Movie - 1978, dir. Richard Donner
Superman II - 1981, The Richard Donner Cut
Superman: Doomsday – 2007, dir. Lauren Montgomery
Superman Returns – 2006, dir. Bryan Singer
Look Up on the Sky: A History of Superman
Superman Books:
Action Comics 1
Superman Chronicles
Unit 3
Vigilante
Batman
/ - the humanity of a superhero.
- the reality of superhero comics.
- the concept of insanity.
- the dual nature of humanity. / - the controversy of the sidekick.
- the controversy of going against social norms.
- the idea of taboo.
- the problem of the superhero. / Reflection
Essays
Journal
Presentation / Batman Films
Batman – 1989, dir. Tim Burton
Batman Begins – 2005, dir. Christopher Nolan
Batman: Year One – 2011, Sam Liu, Lauren Montgomery
Batman Books:
Batman Chronicles
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns
Batman: A Death in the Family
Unit 4
Police
Green Lantern
/ - why comics have been used to get to a younger audience.
- why comics can be a driving force for change.
- why there is a need for more positive minority superheroes. / - universal justice.
- the use of popular culture to address societal problems, such as racism, ecology, and drug abuse.
- how public servants should serve the public and not their own self-interests. / Reflection
Essays
Journal
Presentation / Green Lantern Films:
Green Lantern: First Flight – 2009, dir. Lauren Montgomery
Green Lantern: Emerald Knights – 2011, dir. Chris Berkeley, Lauren Montgomery
Green Lantern – 2011, dir. Martin Gampbell
GL Books:
Green Lantern Chronicle;
GL/Green Arrow Collection 2.
Unit 5
Amazon/Princess
Wonder Woman
/ - why there are so few female superheroes.
- how feminism is still a powerful movement. / - to the taboo.
- how writers and artists can promote their own agendas.
- how superheroes and change with the times and adapt for generations / Reflection
Essays
Journal
Presentation / Wonder Woman Films:
Wonder Woman – 2009, dir. Lauren Montgomery
Wonder Woman Books:
Wonder Woman: Best Stories
Unit 6
Innocent
Spider-man
/ - the archetype of the innocent/fool.
- the idea that ignorance is not bliss. / - the concept of “everyman.”
- how Spider-man is the concept of teenager.
- that with “great power comes great responsibility.”
- the importance of “9/11.” / Reflection
Essays
Journal
Presentation / Spiderman Films:
Spiderman I – 2002, dir. Sam Raimi
Spiderman II – 2004, dir. Sam Raimi
Spiderman III – 2007, dir. Sam Raimi
Spiderman Books:
The Amazing Spiderman Marvel Masterworks, Vol. 1
Spiderman vs. Wolverine
The Amazing Spiderman Annual 21
Unit 7
Cowboy
Iron Man
/ - the idea of what a “cowboy” is and the importance of the cowboy to American identity. / - the concept of “manifest destiny.”
- the difference between the West Coast and the East Coast.
- the fallen hero. / Reflection
Essays
Journal
Presentation / Iron Man Films:
Iron Man I – 2008, dir. Jon Favreau
Iron Man II – 2010, dir. Jon Favreau
The Invincible Iron Man – 2007, dir. Frank Paur, Jay Olivia
Iron Man Books:
The Invincible Iron Man Marvel Masterworks, Vol 1
Demon in a Bottle
Unit 8
Behemoth
Hulk
/ - the use of science in art.
- fear of the monster that can’t be controlled and created by science. / - the concept of the loner.
- the idea of the “Frankenstein Monster.”
- the use of weaponry to create monsters.
- the idea that the military will go to any means to succeed. / Reflection
Essays
Journal
Presentation / Hulk Films:
The Hulk – 2003, dir. Ang Lee
The Incredible Hulk – 2008, dir. Louis Leterrier
Hulk Vs. Wolverine – 2009, dir. Sam Liu, Frank Paur
Planet Hulk – 2010, dir. Sam Liu, Planet Hulk Extra: Wolverine vs. Hulk X-Men Short
Hulk Books:
The Incredible Hulk Marvel Masterworks, Vol1.
Unit 9
God
Thor
/ - the role of god in humanity’s life.
- idea of god as hero.
- the meaning of the death of a god. / - the importance of Norse mythology in Western Culture from the past to the present.
- surreal art. / Reflection
Essays
Journal
Presentation / Thor Films:
Thor: Tales of Asgard – 2011, dir. Sam Liu
Hulk Vs. Thor – 2009, dir. Sam Liu, Frank Paur
Thor – 2011, dir. Kenneth Branagh
Thor Books:
The Mighty Thor Marvel Masterworks, Vol1.
The Mighyt Thor #380 “Death of Thor”
Unit 10
Patriot
Captain America
/ - how governments look at their loyal followers.
- the embodiment of American Virtues. / - the idea of patriotism.
- the symbolic death of patriotism.
- the use of the shield as a weapon.
- the loner.
- the vagabond. / Reflection
Essays
Journal
Presentation / Captain America Films:
The Ultimate Avengers I and II – 2006, dir. Curt Geda, Steven, Gordon
Captain America: The First Avenger – 2011, dir. Joe Johnston
Captain America Marvel Masterworks, Vol 1
Death of Captain America
Unit 11
Justice
Daredevil
/ - blind justice.
- the idea of a “handicapped” hero. / - the balance between the law and justice.
- the balance between good and evil.
- how to make “right” choices.
- the controversy of the death penalty. / Reflection
Essays
Journal
Presentation / Daredevil Films:
Daredevil – 2003, dir. Mark Steve Johnson
Daredevil Books:
Daredevil: the Man Without Fear Marvel Masterworks, Vol 1.
Daredevil #191 “Roulette”
Unit 12
Rogue
Wolverine
/ - the idea of being out of time.
- the mental breakdown of those who can’t die. / - Gen Xers favorite character.
- how scientific and natural happenings combine to create and destroy.
- the duality of man.
- religion of superheroes. / Reflection
Essays
Journal
Presentation / Wolverine Films:
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
X-Men
Wolverine Books:
Spiderman vs. Wolverine.

A note about Essay writing:

Always follow the writing rules posted on Moodle.

A template will be set up at the beginning of the school year, always use it for this course.

Project Presentations

Each student will be required to prepare and present a character for an entire class period instead of writing a paper for one unit - each researched topic must include the reason it is related to the current topic.

The unit and topics are as follows:

Background / Stan Lee / __NA______
DC Comics / __NA______
Senate Commission on Juvenile Delinquency / __NA______
Alien / Martian Manhunter / ______
Hawkman / ______
Silver Surfer / ______
Vigilante / Blade / ______
Powerman / ______
Green Arrow / ______
Police / Ms. Marvel / ______
Aquaman / ______
Nova / ______
Amazon/Princess / She-Hulk / ______
Catwoman / ______
Spiderwoman / ______
Innocent / Firestorm / ______
Kitty Pryde / ______
Captain Marvel (Shazaam) / ______
Cowboy / Jonah Hex / ______
Iron Fist / ______
Flash / ______
Behemoth / Thing / ______
Swamp-Thing / ______
God / Ghost Rider / ______
Dr. Strange / ______
Dream/Morpheus (Sandman) / ______
Patriot / Nick Fury / ______
Black Panther / ______
Sunfire / ______
Justice / The Punisher / ______
Hawkeye / ______
Falcon / ______
Rogue / Moon-Knight / ______
Elektra / ______
Deadpool / ______

Media of all sorts are possibilities to include in your presentation. If you use a Power Point presentation you are NOT to just read off of your slides, additional information must be presented. You must use at least one non-internet source on your project and submit a two page summary of your research including an annotated bibliography.