Comic books used in sociology classes?

Question

I have to give an informative speech and my topic is how comic books portray cultural/social/political issues faced by a nation.In my research i came across some articles where sociologists were arguing for the use of comic books in sociology classes but i want specific examples. Like what school/university uses them. Any suggestions would be great.

Answer 1

Art Spiegleman's "Maus" has been used in certain university classes. It's an autobiographical comic book about himself, his faher and their relationship as well as detailing his father's time as a WWII concentration camp prisoner.

You should look at independent comics, as they typically sidestep superhero action and many of them are more often about more realistic, down to earth, relate-able topics and culturally relevant topics.

Here are some titles that might help you out:

Love and Rockets

Strangers in paradise

Johnny the Homocidal Maniac

The Maxx

Blankets

Black Hole

It's a Bird

The Tragical Comedy or Comical Tragedy of Mr. Punch

Age of Bronze

100 Bullets

Anything by Joe Matt

Robert Crumb's work in accordance with the climate of the 70's

Answer 2

I had a sociologist (intro) professor that used Doonesbury and the Boondocks in his class. Not a comic book I know, but he used the comic strips to discuss political and social theory. My school was Western Maryland College and is now called McDaniel. If you look at some of our old brochures, I am sure you will find something.