A panel of students will lead a discussion and critique on the role of Japanese anime in pop culture as part of Drake’s Writers and Critics series. The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. and will be held in the Wesley House Gallery.
The event, “G.R.A.P.H.I.C.: Getting Respect: Anime and Pop culture/Heroines in Comics,” will feature an interactive discussion about anime’s depiction and level of respect in American pop culture. Students will analyze narrative, cultural elements, and gender roles in a series of visual works—all created and presented by Drake students. The event will feature graphic narratives, illustrated stories, comic panels, anime and manga, and other works blending verbal and visual elements.
Upcoming Writers and Critics events:
- Nov. 8: Drake Writer’s Harvest Festival—A Benefit for the Food Bank of Iowa, Kelcey Parker & Periphery Award Winners, 7 p.m., Wesley House Gallery
- Nov. 27–Dec. 5: Community Showcase—Representations of Multicultural Understanding, Cowles Collier Heritage Room
Opening reception: Nov. 27, 7 p.m., Cowles Collier Heritage Room
“We hope this student panel will generate lively discussion and debate,” says Jennifer Perrine, associate professor of English. “The panelists won’t be merely speaking about their critical work—they’ll involve the audience in activities to help consider what we value in verbal and visual work and what shapes those values.”
The Writers and Critics series brings featured writers, critics, students, and faculty together to discuss literary themes and their impact on our culture. This year’s theme for the series is “Where the Verbal Meets the Visual.” The series features an integrated group of speakers who work in the intersections of words and images.
The Writers and Critics Series is sponsored by Drake’s English Department and Center for the Humanities. For more information, please contact Jennifer Perrine at 515-271-4161 or Jennifer.perrine@drake.edu.
