Graphic novels and the Holocaust

"Representations of the Holocaust in Graphic Novels" is a new international course that was recently launched by Prof. Na'ama Sheffi from the Department of Communications at Sapir College and Prof. Katarina Bader from Stuttgart, Media University (Hochschule der Medien in Stuttgart). Four bi-national groups research Israeli, German and American graphic novels that touch upon the Holocaust and its memory.

In the first two meetings, the students discussed their interest in the subject, shared their insights about Holocaust memories in their respective countries, and formulated a code of behavior for the class.

During the semester, the students are requested to watch short a-synchronic lectures by the course instructors, discuss them and report on their meetings. They will also meet with the instructors for further guidance for their final projects.

One of the highlights of the course are two special meetings with artists: twice Eisner Award winner, renowned graphic novelist Rutu Modan; and Michal Paz-Klap who curated an exhibition of Holocaust in graphic novels at the Holon Museum of Comics.

The students, four Israelis and seven Germans, will develop either standard academic papers or academic based media products such as podcasts or webcasts and websites. The final projects will be made accessible to the public through a website. The course is supported by a grant of the Region of Baden Wurttemberg for Israeli-German exchange programs and is facilitated by the Unit for Academic Internationalization at Sapir College.

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