Graphic+Novel+Analysis+FAQ

Please feel free to type any questions you have about the **Graphic Novel Analysis** here.


 * //Question// || //Answer// ||
 * 1.Hi...I have just started working on the graphic novel analysis and had a few questions. Firstly i have looked at a few graphic novels and have read the question but dont really understand what we are supposed to do.Can someone plz guide me? Did the proff say anything in the tutorial regarding this as i couldnt make it this week:( || The basic goal of this assignment is to look at the graphic novel as a new form of media and try to understand how this new form of media communicates its ideas. So when reading your graphic novels, try and see what "speaks to you" when you read it. Make note of things you find interesting and try and find a few meanings within its pictures and texts. After you've done that, look at things that Scott McCloud talks about in his book and try to relate your findings to his and how they connect. This should give you a good start on your assignment. -Tom (Prof. Note - nicely put.) ||
 * 2.I am just wondering? for a graphic novel would the Archie Comic books be suitable? Even though it might not be I was just curious because those are my favorite comic books :D (amanda) || You are allowed to do any graphic novel. However, you have to make sure it has enough "substance" to analyze. Archie Comics, Batman, etc. are all fun to read, but they might be a bit difficult to analyze. Feel free to do what you want, but I'd suggest starting a bit ahead of time to make sure your chosen graphic novel is appropriate. That said, you can probably do a dissertation on Archie - doing deep analysis on something rather simple can be harder than it looks though. ||
 * 3. How many pages should the assignment be? What format should I use for citations? || The guideline is 5-6pp, double-space, 10pt. font .... approx.1200-1500 words. This is a guideline - if it's 7-8 pp, that's OK, if it's 4 but solid, that's fine too. It's more to prevent assignments that are 2 or 20 pages long. Any citation style that is consistent and thorough (i.e., allows the reader to retrieve the source) is fine - MLA seems to be commonly used in CCIT courses, so feel free to use that if easiest. ||
 * 4.When you said "DEEP ANALYSIS" for the Archie comic book can you please give me an example of what you would expect. I did go to the library and pick other grapic novel (Japanese style) but I am curious about the Archie comics Thanks (Amanda) || My answer was WAY too long for this page so I just created a wikipage for it. Here's a take on deep analysis ||
 * 5. I absolutely have no idea about comics. the only comics i know about are 'superhero' . Please if someone can help me find comics? where can i search? what kind of comics and how to find them? || Well, graphic novels are slightly more than just "comics". But if you are looking for graphic novels that have some depth to them and relate to some real world issues drop by your local Chapters and peruse their graphic novel section, they have a wide selection of graphic novels, both for pure entertainment and those that actually convey a message. Some good companies that publish high quality graphic novels are Vertigo, Dark Horse, and even Marvel and DC. If you're looking for some sample titles look into: A Scanner Darkly, anythign by Will Eisner, In the Shadow of Two Towers, Sandman, The Red Son, and there are many others out there. If you're still stuck just send me an e-mail. tsunthorn@quickclic.net ||
 * 6. 3 part question: 1. In our analysis, are we allowed to include diagrams/images taken from the graphic novel we are reading to visually tie in the theory with our explanation? 2. If so, should we imbed them right in the analysis or should we index them at the end? 3. Are we limited to the number of images we could use? || While this is an essay, it's an essay on visual media - certainly the use of images is fine (and in cases, probably a good idea...) You can imbed small images in the flow of the text if you like; otherwise, you can include it as an appendix. There's no limit on number of pictures. That noted, while a picture might be 1000 words in some cases,that's not the case here. Reference all pictures you include. ||
 * 7.When you say McCloud's "concepts," are you referring to chapter concepts (Ie. Chapter 7: The Six Steps) or specific concepts (ie. Backgrounds can be a valuable tool for indicating invisible ideas, particularly the world of emotions)? And how many should we do? For instance, if I chose one chapter, I would probably only talk about the concepts in that one chapter, but if I do specific concepts, I might choose one concept from each chapter. || "McCloud's concepts" refer to any of the ideas that the author puts forth that relate to your chosen graphic novel. Through examination and deconstruction of your graphic novel, identify and connect the significant ideas that McCloud writes about. It's really up to you to choose the ones that are most relevant and describable, but realistically choosing a smaller number (3 or 4) will allow you to go into some depth. If you try to answer to all of his ideas, your analysis will probably only scratch the surface. Use these points to draw connections to your book and ideas from Understanding Comics.... but if you come across other ideas, use them as well if you like. Remember it is an analysis of //your graphic novel//… not a book report or a simple re-telling of McCloud’s concepts. ||
 * 8. Can we do the analysis on a graphic novel that is not written in English? || Absolutely... but it may be helpful that you also can understand the language or you may be missing a vital layer to the narrative ||
 * 9.can we use sub headings? || Yes.... it may be a good way to breakdown your paper but it is an individual's stylistic choice. ||
 * 10.Is having a thesis mandatory? || Having an overarching thesis is not mandatory, but if a central theme emerges in your analysis it's probably good to structure your work around it. ||
 * 11. How do we hand it in? Just on paper or through turnitin or another way as well?! || Definitely not through turnitin - Sheridan professors don't have access to that service. Hand a physical copy in in your lab, and bring an electronic copy to put on the Elara server for archival purposes. Instructions on how to upload to Elara will be provided Thursday in lab and are covered well in this CCIT 333 wikipage. Use naming convention: //lastname_firstname.doc// and drop in Michael Jones Hand in Folder. ||
 * 12. I'm doing a Japanese translated into Chinese graphic novel, would you want me to reference the character's names by their Japanese or English translated versions names? Would you prefer me to call the character as Serena or Tsukino Usagi because it may be too confusing when I type a bunch of Japanese names in the analysis. || It's okay to refer to whatever names in order to simplify things as long as they do not get in the way of any of the analysis. In this case it might be a good idea to briefly indicate the translation of names in your introduction ||
 * 13. Should only use Understanding Comics in reference for this assignment? Is Reinventing Comics necessary? || Understanding Comics is the core text to use for this analysis. Re-inventing could certainly add some insights, but not necessary considering the length and time frame. It will be covered more in the next part of the course. That said, you are not limited to Understanding Comics ... other documents/texts may add to your understanding. ||
 * 14.Can I add a sheet before my essay with a short paragraph on what my graphic novel is about? Plus my three argument are from the 3 chapters but use two principals from each of the chapter and relate it to my graphic novel? is that right? THANKS || A brief synopsis in the introduction of your analysis would be a good idea to give the reader a little background... but limit it to 1-2 paragraphs. So no need to include an extra page/sheet. From what you describe, developing an argument is part of an analysis that includes supporting ideas from the books. As far as numbers go, if it fits within the 1200-1500 word limit, then you are writing just about the right amount... a little more is okay too. Try to get into enough depth that you can make some worthwhile analysis that justifies your ideas... too many ideas will mean your wrting will be too broad at the expsense of depth. ||
 * 15. If we refer to McCloud's concepts through paraphrasing, do we have to cite it everytime? For example: A cartoon can display the world within (McCloud 41). || Any ideas or words that you extract from McCloud ( or elsewhere) need to be cited. The method displayed //A cartoon can display the world within (McCloud 41)// is a good example. Otherwise confusion arises as to what is original thought and what is paraphrased from outside sources. To be on the safe side, overciting is better than missing out and possibly not representing your work accurately. ||