ADAPTING THE GRAPHIC NOVEL FORMAT FOR UNDERGRADUATE LEVEL TEXTBOOKS
Brian Kane · OhioLink ETD Center (Ohio Library and Information Network) · 2013
This dissertation explores ways in which the graphic narrative (graphic novel) format for storytelling, known as sequential art, can be adapted for undergraduate-level introductory textbooks across disciplines.Currently, very few graphic textbooks exist, and many of them lack the academic rigor needed to give them credibility.My goal in this dissertation is to examine critically both the strengths and weaknesses of this art form and formulate a set of standards and procedures necessary for developing new graphic textbooks that are scholastically viable for use in college-level instruction across disciplines.To the ends of establishing these standards, I have developed a four-pronged information-gathering approach.First I read as much pre factum qualitative and quantitative data from books, articles, and Internet sources as possible in order to establish my base of inquiry.Second, I created a twelve-part dissertation blog (graphictextbooks.blogspot.com)where I was able to post my findings and establish my integrity for my research among potential interviewees.Third, I interviewed 16 professional graphic novel/graphic textbook publishers, editors, writers, artists, and scholars as well as college professors and librarians.Finally, I sent out an online survey consisting of a sample chapter of an existing graphic textbook to college professors and asked if the content of the source material was potentially effective for their own instruction in undergraduate teaching.For me, the interviews were the most enjoyable part of this process and yielded significant, actionable information from which I could