Dieses Jahr gibt es das erste mal im Wintersemster ein “Comic-Seminar” für Anglistik-Studenten der Universität Bielefeld . Der Fokus liegt hier auf Shakespeare Adaptionen und Interpretationen im Medium Comics.

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Universität Bielefeld
eKVV 2010/2011

eKVV 2010: “Killing Shakespeare”

“While William Shakespeare’s literary works have no need to establish their credentials, the relatively new medium of comics (or “graphic storytelling”) is still battling against prejudice and disdain. But understanding how graphics can enhance text, interact with it, and serve as essential carriers of information in their own right will help us see comics as a potent medium with which to convey stories of any genre and depth – even those of the greatest playwright in history. In this seminar we will analyze comic book adaptations of Shakespeare’s works, see how “sequential art” unfolds the tale and acts out the play before the readers’ eyes – and experience the pleasures and challenges of  transforming a text from the late 16^th century into a modern storytelling medium. To this end, a central component of the seminar will be a practical course in comic illustration, with which the theoretical and cultural components will be interwoven. The students will take a piece of Shakespeare’s original text and give it their own interpretation through an artistic adaptation in the graphic medium – all under the guidance of professional illustrator Klaus Scherwinski, who works for a wide spectrum of comic and game companies in the USA, Germany and England and is an experienced teacher of illustration and comic art.”

Press release 2009: Graphic Storytelling – American Literature from a different angle
“The English Department at Bielefeld University is delighted to welcome well-known Bielefeld comic illustrator Klaus Scherwinski as a guest lecturer this semester. Not only is Mr Scherwinski a successful comic artist and illustrator with a growing international reputation; he is also an expert on comics as a genre,  and has extensive experience in teaching workshops on comic illustration. No less significantly, Mr Scherwinski will be able to share his practical experience and expertise on building a successful career as a full-time freelance artist, which should be of interest to any students considering going pro with their creative skills.
“Graphic Storytelling”, a seminar in the “American Literature” module, will examine comics in their historical and cultural context and explore theories of the comic. But unlike more conventional academic treatments of the genre, this seminar will also feature a practical course in comic-illustration, allowing participants to wrestle with the challenges of sequential art (and text) themselves. Whether he is expounding on theories of the comic or demonstrating drawing techniques Mr Scherwinski’s enthusiasm and energy as a teacher are infectious. This seminar promises to be a particularly memorable treat for students of English in the Summer Semester. Mr Scherwinski’s English is native-like, and like all our seminars, the course will be conducted entirely in English.”

-Dr. Vivian Gramley & Dr. Patricia Skorge, LiLi, English Department, Bielefeld University 2009