History, Representation, and the Graphic Novel

In this course we will read several graphic novels dealing with historical atrocities in the non-Western and Western context during the early modern and modern periods. In particular, we will examine many of the ongoing central issues in atrocity and genocide studies as well as in the historical field more generally regarding inclusivity, representation, accessibility, and accuracy. The growing concern over the gap between academic history and the “real world” will also be examined. Students will gain increased knowledge about historical injustices as well as their integral connection to and impact upon the present. This course is part of the Public Humanities Labs Initiative administered by the Axinn Center for the Humanities./