With first semester being halfway finished, registration for spring classes is coming soon. Taking a course load of all major classes may not be too appealing to all students. But, what about a course involving superheroes?
Associate Professor of Communication Zachary Walton will teach Superheroes, Comics and Culture as a one-time special 
studies in communication course next spring. As a special studies course, the topic rotates every other year. The last time the class was taught, the emphasis was on gaming. Though the COM 222 is technically s a communication class, any student can take it. Walton said students do not need any prior knowledge on the subject, they just need a willingness to engage with the content.
Superheroes, Comics and Culture will look into the history of comics, visual communication, rhetoric and the unique form of comics, in the form of panels, art and dialogue. Walton said the class will look at famous graphic novels and talk about how comics have moved through culture. The class will also talk about anything that comics tie into, including cosplay, superhero video games, film and television; any contemporary medium that uses comics and superheroes as a framing device. The course is part cultural studies, part history and part visual rhetorical criticism, Walton said.
“I’m most interested in seeing what students want to investigate,” said Walton. “What are the things that interest students? Is it the Golden Age of comics, is it graphic novels, is it focusing on specific superheroes, is it looking at a series of films? I’m really interested in seeing what students would like to look at in the course and then adjusting.”
Freshman sport management major Hunter Fleck enjoys all things superheroes.
“I would like to take this class because I find all things with superheroes fascinating and enjoyable to watch,” said Fleck. “I love to watch any Marvel or DC movies, and I love to look at the comic books as well.
Students interested in the course may contact Walton for more information or speak to their advisor on how the class will fit into their spring schedule.
