| Instructor: Dr. Julia
Gardner |
Introduction
The readings and writing assignments in this course are designed to help you hone your skills as a writer. To this end, you are expected to read assignments with care, and are encouraged to interact with the texts, both by identifying structural elements of the piece, such as the author's thesis, evidence, assumptions, etc. and by identifying points of interest for yourself. Getting into the practice of being an active reader, who continually responds to the texts, will in turn help you become a better writer. You will be given many opportunities to try out your ideas and develop them further through class discussion, informal writing done in class or as homework, and through peer reviews of your work.
This course also lays the groundwork for the type of writing you will be expected to do throughout your university career, by focusing on identifying a motive for writing, the development of an argument or interpretation, and use of appropriate and convincing evidence. In addition to stylistic matters such as proper form for citation and formatting, we will cover topics such as conducting library research, using primary and secondary sources in an essay, and developing a writing "voice" within the academic community and beyond.
Topical Introduction
What, if anything, do medieval illuminated manuscripts have in common with modern-day manga? How can an everyday aesthetic such as cuteness play a role in serious art? Through continual exploration of both print and visual culture, this module invites students to begin considering questions such as the above. We will begin with examples of contemporary art which seem to transform mainstream concepts of cuteness into something more serious, even disturbing. Our next unit considers aesthetic changes to the printed page, comparing medieval illustrated texts and iconography with examples of contemporary graphic novels and digital culture. Finally, we will examine the effects of transformation and revision in various media.
Required Texts
Hacker, Diana. A Writer's Reference (available from the NUS Co-op)
Harvey, Gordon. Writing With Sources (I will distribute this in class, courtesy of the Writing Programme)
Miyazaki, Hayao. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind. (NUS Co-op, pending availability)
Speigleman, Art. Maus: A Survivor's Tale, Volume 2: And Here My Troubles Began. (NUS Co-op)
All other readings are available in the Scholars Programme Reading Room, Central Library, or through the on-line links provided.
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