Do you like reading comics, or analyzing films, or just storytelling in general?

Our Decal is dedicated to examining various visual narrative texts in order to teach ourselves, as creators, how to construct our own fictional stories. We'll be looking at films, animation, graphic novels, video games, and other miscellaneous fun things!

We will be doing three main things: looking, analyzing, and creating new stories. This means 1) critically looking at various visual narratives through different theoretical lenses, utilizing what they see in order to 2) create a visual/verbal narrative project of their own.

These texts are meant to be jumping off points from which can explore their own creative practices and expansive modes of storytelling. As a result of the course, students will be able to critically look at media representations and meanings in multiple cultural and identity contexts, observe technical aspects of both the visual and textual, and apply their learning by producing a final creative project.

All students welcome!

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In-class will be divided into two parts: discussion and informal lectures or workshops. Out-of-class assignments will be dedicated to engaging with the visual texts (films, graphic novels, etc.), readings, short responses, and/or workshop assignments. In addition, some time will also be dedicated to working and workshopping final projects.

Class is P/NP, graded on these:

Attendance and Participation (25%)
Self-screenings and Readings for discussion (20%)
Short Responses and Workshop Assignments (20%)
Final Project Drafts and Final Presentation (35%)

Because we had an overflowing amount of students interested in this course last semester, we are requiring an application process. And although we unfortunately cannot accept everyone, please apply and we will get back to you shortly. APPLY and ATTEND THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS (on 8/31, 6-8pm). If you have any questions, please email katherineiyao@berkeley.edu. Thank you! EDIT: APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED.