The comics medium – intermedial and multimodal aspects
15 credits
In this course, students will engage deeply with the multifaceted world of comics and graphic novels, examining how this visual medium interacts with literature, film, fine arts, and digital media. Through critical analysis and thoughtful discussion, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how the comics medium negotiates and redefines storytelling across various cultural and artistic landscapes.
A particular focus of the course is placed on adaptations, exploring how graphic narratives are transformed when they move between different media. By studying adaptations of novels into graphic novels, comics into films, and vice versa, students will gain insights into the creative processes and challenges involved in transmedial storytelling. This analysis will provide a deeper appreciation for how narrative structures, visual styles, and thematic elements are reinterpreted and reimagined across media boundaries.
The course also explores the theoretical frameworks of intermediality and multimodality, offering tools to critically evaluate the interactions between text, image, and other forms of expression. By understanding these frameworks, students will be equipped to analyse the unique storytelling techniques of comics and how they contribute to broader media ecologies.
Students will explore a diverse range of graphic narratives, developing the skills to critically analyse the aesthetic and narrative strategies employed within the comics medium. The course combines academic inquiry with hands-on analytical practice, enabling students to not only interpret but also actively engage with the evolving field of comics studies and its various adaptations, contributing to a deeper understanding of this dynamic and influential art form.
Image (head): The Handmaid’s Tale (adaptation). Creative Commons.
Distance – study where you are
Perhaps you would like to study in the Swedish mountains, in a big city, or at home close to family? Many of our programmes and courses are offered in distance format.
Studying at a distance can be done in different ways, either entirely without physical gatherings or with only a few gatherings on campus or at one of our learning centres. The common denominator is that a large part of your studies takes place online. You communicate with the teacher and other students through a learning platform that includes discussion forums, opportunities for group work, and digital meetings. In many cases, you will also have access to recorded lectures via the learning platform.
The benefit of distance studies is the flexibility, something that is valuable if you want to be free to decide when and where you want to study. Some compulsory elements on you course or programme may take place during office hours, even though they are online.
Växjö – the student city with a living campus
Just south of Växjö’s city centre you will find Linnaeus University’s campus. In Växjö, many students choose to live on campus.
Here you will have five minutes’ walking distance to friends, restaurants, lecture rooms, gym, grocery store, the University Library, nature trails, and student pubs. If you live in another part of Växjö, you can quickly get to the university by bus or bicycle.
With its 90 000 inhabitants, Växjö is one of the fastest growing cities in Sweden. Here you will find the famous Småland entrepreneurship spirit and a lot of companies, for instance within the IT industry – perfect for when you are looking for an internship position or a job. Växjö is also a picturesque city where you are always close to forests and water.
Build your own degree
Did you know that you can combine single-subject courses to build your own degree? In this way, you can design your own degree based on your interests and the career you are aiming for. This does not apply to all courses so make sure to check with a study counsellor at the faculty. Learn more about how you can build your own degree and become unique on the labour market.