SYLLABUS
Middle East IllustratedCourse Description
This course examines the interaction of word and image in graphic novels and animation that engage with the Middle East. Through close reading, visual analysis, discussion, and creative practice, students explore how visual storytelling shapes narratives of history, politics, identity, and everyday life in the region.
Required Texts
(Selections and PDFs will be provided on Canvas unless otherwise noted.)
- Anar, The Book of Devices (tr. Key)
- John Berger, Ways of Seeing
- Scott McCloud, Understanding Comics
- Marjane Satrapi, Persepolis, vols. 1–2
- Joe Sacco, Palestine
- Ari Folman, Waltz with Bashir (PDF provided)
- Ihsan Oktay Anar, Book of Devices (Buy your own copy ahead of time, check old copies at University Bookstore or Magus Bookstore)
- Reading material will be posted weekly in Modules.
Course Requirements & Grading
Students are expected to complete assigned readings, attend class, and participate actively in discussions and in-class exercises.
Weekly Rhythm
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Readings and materials are completed early in the week.
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Online discussions are made available on Mondays and are designed to support participation by helping you test ideas and engage with classmates midweek.
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Assignments are made available midweek and allow you to reflect on and synthesize the week’s materials toward the end of the week.
Grading Breakdown
Final grades will be calculated as follows:
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Midterm Essay: 25%
(Details and prompt will be provided in Modules.) -
Assignments (Weekly Reviews / Reflections): 30%
Each class includes short reading-based written assignments designed to support reflection and synthesis. These assignments assess completion, seriousness of effort, and evidence of thoughtful engagement, rather than polish or length. -
Participation (Including Online Discussions): 20%
Assessed based on attendance, online discussion posts, preparation, and notebook work. Consistency, effort, and thoughtful engagement matter more than frequency of speaking. Participation is evaluated holistically across the quarter rather than on individual posts. -
Group Project: 25%
Detailed instructions and due dates will be provided in the Modules section.
Grading Scale
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4.0 = 97–100
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3.9 = 95–96
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3.8 = 93–94
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3.7 = 92
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3.6 = 91
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3.5 = 90
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3.4 = 89
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(and so on, following UW grading standards)
Participation & Notebooks
Participation includes regular attendance, engagement in discussion, and completion of in-class writing and sketching exercises. Students will keep a notebook for short writing, visual annotations, and drawing or doodling. Artistic skill is not evaluated; attention, effort, and thoughtful experimentation are.
Technology & AI Use
Please limit the use of laptops and mobile devices in class to course-related activities.
AI tools may be used sparingly for reference or drafting support. Any use of AI must be disclosed, including the name of the tool and how it was used. Students are responsible for understanding and following university guidelines on academic integrity. This short article may help to understand the AI better.
Academic Integrity
The University of Washington takes academic integrity seriously. Acts of academic misconduct include, but are not limited to:
- Cheating
- Plagiarism
- Unauthorized collaboration
If you are unsure whether something constitutes academic misconduct, please ask. Allegations of misconduct will be referred for investigation in accordance with the UW Student Conduct Code (WAC 478-121).
More information: https://www.washington.edu/studentconduct/
Attendance & Accommodations
Students are expected to attend class and participate in all graded activities. If you anticipate absences due to religious observances, university-sponsored activities, or academic conferences, please notify the instructor in advance.
Incomplete grades may be granted only in cases of satisfactory performance up to the final two weeks of the quarter and must be completed by the end of the following quarter (summer excluded).
Access & Disability Resources
Your experience in this class is important. If you have approved accommodations through Disability Resources for Students (DRS), please share them as early as possible.
If you have not yet established services, you are encouraged to contact DRS:
📞 206-543-8924
✉️ uwdrs@uw.edu
🌐 https://disability.uw.edu
Religious Accommodations
Washington state law requires the University to provide reasonable accommodations for absences due to religious observance. The UW Religious Accommodations Policy and request form are available here:
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Policy: https://registrar.washington.edu/staffandfaculty/religious-accommodations-policy/
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Request form: https://registrar.washington.edu/students/religious-accommodations-request/
Requests must be submitted within the first two weeks of the quarter.
Safety, Support & Well-Being
If you or someone you know is struggling, support resources are available, including the Counseling Center, Hall Health, and the IMA. SafeCampus is available 24/7 at 1-800-685-SAFE (7233).