Course Overview

This course is designed to introduce the student to the discipline of drawing as it is practiced in comic books, graphic novels, manga, comic strips and storyboarding for film and animation. 

The student will also be introduced to visual storytelling, figure construction, character design and linear perspective.

This course is part of Summer College Studio Art Academy, an enrichment and community-building program offered through Syracuse University’s School of Art, part of the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA). 

 All students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion and have the opportunity to request a Syracuse University noncredit transcript.

                                                                                              

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will know how to:

  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of sequential storytelling through the creation of short, coherent visual narratives.
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of figure construction.
  • Create a unique and original character/s.
  • Begin to apply the principles of perspective within their drawings.
  • Demonstrate a basic competency with the traditional cartoonist’s tools.
  • Demonstrate an appropriate use of photographic reference materials within their drawings.

“I had so much fun at Summer College, especially at a school where I felt at home. Not only was studying my favorite part because of the course a took, but the new friends and professors I had met with and created new bonds.”

– Chris B., Summer College – On Campus Student, 2019.

Course Information

Course Prefix and Number:

  • Credit: ILL 300
  • Noncredit: SCN 129

Format: On Campus (at Syracuse University)

Eligibility: Students must be of rising high school sophomore*, junior, or senior status – or a 2023 high school graduate. 
*Rising sophomores are only eligible for the noncredit version of this course.

Credit: 3 Credits** or Noncredit

**Prospective students wishing to take the course for college credit are required to submit a sample portfolio of 3-5 images of current artwork formatted in a single pdf document. Please include name, date, title, and dimensions. Images in the sample portfolio do not need to be in the medium of the course to be taken but should emphasize creativity and technical accomplishment.

Grading:

  • Credit: A-F
  • Noncredit: Pass/Fail

Cost:

3-Credit:

  • Residential: $4,535
  • Commuter: $3,590

Noncredit:

  • Residential: $3,945
  • Commuter: $3,000

Program rates are subject to change and will be approved by the board of trustees. Discounts and scholarships are also available.


Program Information

Summer College – On Campus: Experience what college is really like: take a college-level course, live in a residence hall, have meals with friends in a dining hall, and participate in activities and events on campus.

Course Dates and Details

ProgramCourse DatesClass Time (Eastern Time)Credit/NoncreditStatus
Summer College – On Campus2-Week Session II: Sunday, July 16 – Friday, July 28, 2023MTWThF;
8 a.m.-4 p.m.
3 credits or NoncreditClosed
Students will break for roughly one hour for lunch. Class times subject to change.

Required Materials

Required Textbooks

Click here to purchase your required textbooks from The Campus Store!

Please note, students are responsible for acquiring textbooks for this course. You will not be able to properly participate in this course if you do not get the proper materials. We strongly encourage you order your books to be picked up from The Campus Store, so that you can stop by and pick them up on your move-in day.
*If you are a sponsored student, you do not need to purchase your textbooks.*

Typical Day

Tentative Schedule

Students are required to attend class Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. with a break for lunch. The class typically will be structured as follows:

8 – 10 a.m.        

  • Sign-In
  • Review Homework – if any         
  • Warm-Up Exercise        
  • Present Daily Topic        
  • In-Class Work       
  • Break

10:15 a.m. – Noon      

  • In-Class Work

Noon – 1 p.m.

  • Lunch

1 – 4 p.m.           

  • Review In-Class Progress  
  • In-Class Work  
  • Break   
  • In-Class Work

When class is over, and on weekends, students can look forward to various Summer College – On Campus activities to meet and connect with other students! Check out our On Campus Experience page for more information!

Faculty Bios

Randy Elliott

Randy Elliott has been a comics professional since 1988. Since then he has worked for DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Archie Comics as well as a number of smaller publishers. He is currently working with DC Comics as one of the art teams for, “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?” Randy holds an MFA in Illustration from the Hartford Art School.  He has been an adjunct instructor at various institutions since 2002.


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