This is a topic that has had my interest for sometime now. What are your thoughts on the idea of using graphic novels in the English classroom? Not just as independent reading but as required texts for the entire class. I see a lot of positive in reading Maus I & II as part of a unit in which Elie Wiesel's Night is also read.
The same can be said of Satrapi's Persepolis, which deals with Satrapi's own experience growing up in Iran during the 1980s where she struggles with the political beliefs of her family versus those of the Iranian government.
I guess the real question, for me, might be how long before graphic novels/comic books are brought into the same canon? I can see myself teaching Watchmen to my students and not because I've enjoyed it but because of the issues and themes it deals with (what happens when the world doesn't need you?, How far are you willing to go for the sake of world peace?).
So let's hear it. Any and all thoughts, ideas and whatnot are welcome.
http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/631
