Heroes, Superheroes, and Antiheroes

The TV show "Heroes" and the recent flourish of superhero movies demonstrate an increased interest in the figure of the superhero in our culture, and bring up such questions as: what is the impact of fictional heroes and superheroes on imagination? Why are certain cultures and certain periods in history particularly fascinated by this figure? Do people need to do different things to "be a hero" in different cultures? What are the differences between heroes and heroines? How can stories about heroes and superheroes help students think about the way they perceive their own responsibilities? Do good heroes do only good things?

This seminar will introduce students to basic concepts of critical analysis of heroes, superheroes, and antiheroes. Genre, theme, structure, and narrative voice will be examined with the intention to practice critical thinking and interpretation on prose, film, visual arts, and graphic novels through the ages and different cultures.

Through in-class and small group discussions, individual presentations, a "trial" role-game, competitions, a "Jeopardy!"-like game, the students will become familiar with a critical methodology that will be profitable in their college years, and that will allow them to deal with cultural issues such as:

• What is gained and what is lost when a story is transposed in a different medium?
• How does the representation of a certain theme change when the story is told in different countries or in different times?
• What are the anxieties, desires and more or less hidden ideological standpoints buried in the texture of the work?
• How can critical analysis help us uncover stereotypes and understand the cultural factors that a work of fiction expresses?

The students will also have an opportunity to put into practice the rules of the superhero genre by creating their own characters and storylines.

The seminar will include a guided tour of the works of the IU Art Museum that will help identify and reflect on art dealing with heroes of other cultures and times, as well as a visit to the IU Lilly Library and its exclusive Michael E. Uslan Collection of Batman and other superhero items.