Comics in the Literature Classroom: How Multimodal Learning Can Create Better Citizens
Keywords:
assessment, graphic novel, humanitiesAbstract
This essay describes an adaptable, multimodal assignment in which students create a comic in lieu of a traditional essay or exam. I outline the theoretical and practical value of this assignment and provide a detailed description of its implementation in two different literature courses: an introduction to the major course and a course on literature of diverse cultures. Based on the research and my experience, I argue that this assignment increases student engagement and teaches crucial skills, such as critical thinking, textual analysis, and argumentation. I suggest that an assignment such as this, in which students not only read but also produce comics, enables them to develop multimodal literacies essential in the twenty-first century. Furthermore, it helps students develop the imagination, empathy, and creativity necessary to be productive citizens in our Republic of Opinion.Downloads
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