I-Comic: Identity, Intimacy & Introspection - Einzelansicht

Amidst the social transformation, compared to the early modern era's standardization and functionalization, society shifted towards a norm of singularity. (Andreas Reckwitz, 2017) 'I' has become a central subject. After the module exploring value chain and composition with comics, “I-Comics” invites students to explore the power of comics as a medium for personal storytelling, self-discovery and singularity in our society. Through textual-visual reflection, students will create autobiographical comics that delve into identity, culture and inner life. 
We’ll study a diverse range of graphic memoirs and personal comics, analyze how artists visually express vulnerability, and experiment with narrative structure,symbolism and visual metaphor.

Interdisciplinarity | I-Comics is a studio-based course that builds upon interdisciplinary knowledge fusion, combining graphic semiotics, narrative psychology, cultural memory studies, and visual anthropological methods. Students apply art therapy theories to explore “singularity” while learning visual rhetoric techniques from comic studies. The curriculum integrates sociological identity theories, analyzing how personal narratives reflect broader socio-cultural contexts.
Weekly exercises and discussions will guide them in developing their own visual language with comic while navigating the complexities of sharing their stories. Whether humorous, painful, fragmented, or poetic, the stories we tell on the page help us see ourselves — and others — more clearly.

Learning Objectives | This course employs a studio based model. With the previous module, we have discovered the value chain and narrative of composition of comics for social positioning, as an observer from outside. This semester, we would adopt a micro perspective for exploring inside how “I” contribute to our own “diversity” and with “others”, from small to big.

1. Interdisciplinary and Cross-Cultural Literary Analysis: Through comparative literature methods studying autobiographical comics from different cultural and academic backgrounds, as “I”, students develop crossover sensitivity, learning to transform personal experiences into universally resonant expressions.
2. Intercultural Group work: Broadens perspectives by integrating diverse cultural insights.
3. Textual-visual Storytelling Skills: Learn to balance personal authenticity with artistic expression, handle ethical considerations of sensitive topics, and develop self-reflection.
4. Discovering Personal Style: refine unique voices through practice.

Didactic Setting | The course is structured into two parts: theory sessions and practical exercises.

• Final project: To demonstrate the "I" that encompasses personal growth trajectories and creative voices.
• Weekly interactive Workshops: Technically, they master sequential visual grammar of comic, character development, and narrative structures. Creative abilities include establishing personal symbolic systems, using visual metaphors for abstract concepts, and experimenting with non-traditional narrative forms.
• Kamingespräch: A spatial peer-review session held at different locations away from the university which allows for deeper exchange in an informal setting.
• Exhibition: To communicate with the public. Social-emotional learning outcomes include enhanced self-awareness, empathy development. Through public feedback, “I” can be expressed and developed.
• Excursion to Berlin 24hour comic challenge (Nov): Students encounter different "I" perspectives (comic artists) intensively and unleash their creativity.

The course is conducted as a „Students' Bauhaus.Module" by Hüseyn Hüseynbayli (stud. Ma AU) and Yuen Yi Wong (stud. Ma M). The mentorship lies with Dr. Jan Ehlers (M).

This course is not about technical perfection, but about honesty, process, and presence. It is open to students of all drawing levels. Therefore, applicants are required to submit a motivation letter 200 words explaining how they aim to enhance their competencies of “I” through this course. Participants must maintain an attendance rate of at least 60% to ensure interdisciplinary exchange within the group and to gain sufficient practice.

• Final submission: Each student will produce a self-authored comic or zine that captures a piece of their personal truth — a graphic reflection of who they are, and who they’re becoming.
• Weekly hands-on sessions: To develop a sense of textual-visual method for expressing “I”, participants need to upload their tasks.
• Present works in an exhibition format: To collect public feedback on their autobiographical comics after the exhibition
• Evaluation Criteria: Participants will be assessed based on their engagement, including active participation in group exercises and progress demonstrated throughout the iterative phases of the project.
• Master's Students: Master's participants are required to collect data and incorporate comic elements to gain new insights. They should explore how their autobiographical work connects to the relevance of their academic field and personal career development.

The course is conducted as a „Students’ Bauhaus.Module” and open to all Master and students of the faculties of Architecture and Urbanism, Art and Design, and Media. Before registering, please consult your academic advisor and clarify whether this course can be credited to your curriculum. If required, you can conclude a learning agreement (DE/EN) before the start of the course.