Unit 2 Alien Superman - the concept of what it means to truly be “alien.” - learn how to create a story arc. - discuss how stories work for a culture. - the creation of the first superhero. - the importance of Jewish immigrants to the culture of comic books. - the importance of Superman to the American culture Reflection Essays Journal Presentation Superman Films: Superman: The Movie - 1978, dir. Richard Donner Superman II - 1981, The Richard Donner Cut Superman: Doomsday – 2007, dir. Lauren Montgomery Superman Returns – 2006, dir. Bryan Singer Look Up on the Sky: A History of Superman Superman Books: Action Comics 1 Superman Chronicles Unit 3 Vigilante Batman - the humanity of a superhero. - the reality of superhero comics. - the concept of insanity. - the dual nature of humanity. - the controversy of the sidekick. - the controversy of going against social norms. - the idea of taboo. - the problem of the superhero. Reflection Essays Journal Presentation Batman Films Batman – 1989, dir. Tim Burton Batman Begins – 2005, dir. Christopher Nolan Batman: Year One – 2011, Sam Liu, Lauren Montgomery Batman Books: Batman Chronicles Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Batman: A Death in the Family Unit 4 Police Green Lantern - why comics have been used to get to a younger audience. - why comics can be a driving force for change. - why there is a need for more positive minority superheroes. - universal justice. - the use of popular culture to address societal problems, such as racism, ecology, and drug abuse. - how public servants should serve the public and not their own Reflection Essays Journal Presentation Green Lantern Films: Green Lantern: First Flight – 2009, dir. Lauren Montgomery Green Lantern: Emerald Knights – 2011, dir. Chris Berkeley, Lauren Montgomery Green Lantern – 2011, dir. Martin Gampbell GL Books: Green Lantern Chronicle; GL/Green Arrow Collection 2.
Hulk Books: The Incredible Hulk Marvel Masterworks, Vol1. Unit 9 God Thor - the role of god in humanity’s life. - idea of god as hero. - the meaning of the death of a god. - the importance of Norse mythology in Western Culture from the past to the present. - surreal art. Reflection Essays Journal Presentation Thor Films: Thor: Tales of Asgard – 2011, dir. Sam Liu Hulk Vs. Thor – 2009, dir. Sam Liu, Frank Paur Thor – 2011, dir. Kenneth Branagh Thor Books: The Mighty Thor Marvel Masterworks, Vol1. The Mighyt Thor #380 “Death of Thor” Unit 10 Patriot Captain America - how governments look at their loyal followers. - the embodiment of American Virtues. - the idea of patriotism. - the symbolic death of patriotism. - the use of the shield as a weapon. - the loner. - the vagabond. Reflection Essays Journal Presentation Captain America Films: The Ultimate Avengers I and II – 2006, dir. Curt Geda, Steven, Gordon Captain America: The First Avenger – 2011, dir. Joe Johnston Captain America Marvel Masterworks, Vol 1 Death of Captain America Unit 11 Justice Daredevil - blind justice. - the idea of a “handicapped” hero. - the balance between the law and justice. - the balance between good and evil. - how to make “right” choices. - the controversy of the death penalty. Reflection Essays Journal Presentation Daredevil Films: Daredevil – 2003, dir. Mark Steve Johnson Daredevil Books: Daredevil: the Man Without Fear Marvel Masterworks, Vol 1. Daredevil #191 “Roulette” Unit 12 Rogue Wolverine - the idea of being out of time. - the mental breakdown of those who can’t die. - Gen Xers favorite character. - how scientific and natural happenings combine to create and destroy. - the duality of man. - religion of superheroes. Reflection Essays Journal Presentation Wolverine Films: X-Men Origins: Wolverine X-Men Wolverine Books: Spiderman vs. Wolverine.