The following courses can be counted towards the Certificate in Comics Studies. If you have questions about whether other courses offered at PSU can be counted for credit towards the certificate, contact Susan Kirtley at skirtley@pdx.edu.
Fall 2025 Courses
FR 399 001 SPST:COMICS& MOVIE ADAPTATIONS
Instructor: Dolidon, Annabelle
Instructional Method: In-Person Meeting
Meeting Time: MW 1:30 - 3:10 p.m.
In this course, we study Franco-Belgian comics and their film adaptation, focusing on the interaction between narrative content and medium. We will go over basic tools to analyse comics and film, question the notion of fidelity, while learning more about French-speaking comic artists who inspired filmmakers in France and the US. We will study Lucky Luke, Adele Blanc-Sec, Largo Winch and Snowpiercer. At the end of the course, we will also watch a French movie and its US adaptation to take into consideration not just medium transfer but cultural retellings. Low cost (buy some comics, others will have copies on reserve. All other material will be provided.) For any questions, email Prof. Dolidon at dolidon@pdx.edu.
JPN 346 001 MANGA NOT! A MANGA PREHISTORY
Instructor: Holt, Jon
Instructional Method: In-Person Meeting
Meeting Time: TR 9:00 - 10:40 a.m.
Examines the origins and non-origins of manga, or Japanese comic books, stretching back hundreds of years into Japanese art history up through the twentieth century with the arrival of cartoons and comics either officially recognized or disavowed by Comics Studies scholars. Students review the art, the stories, the changes that happened across Japanese culture in this survey to understand what makes a manga a manga -- and why this discourse matters. No prerequisites, course taught in English.
WR 398 001 WRITING COMICS
Instructor: STAFF
Instructional Method: In-Person Meeting
Meeting Time: TR 1:30 - 3:10 p.m.
Study and practice of creating comics and graphic narratives in a variety of genres, with a focus on form and process. Course may be repeated for credit with different topics for up to 8 credits. Up to 8 credits of this course number can be applied to the English major.
WR 410/510 002 TOP: COMICS PUBLISHING
Instructor: STAFF
Instructional Method: Online - Scheduled Meetings
Meeting Time: TR 11:00 a.m. - 12:40 p.m.
WR 460/560 001 INTRO TO BOOK PUBLISHING
Instructor: Crummer, Robyn
Instructional Method: In-Person Meeting
Meeting Time: MW 9:00 - 10:40 a.m.
Provides a detailed overview of the publishing process, organized around the division of labor, including introductions to contemporary American publishing, issues of intellectual commerce, copyright law, publishing contracts, book editing, book design and production, book marketing and distribution, and bookselling. Based on work in mock publishing companies, students prepare portfolios of written documents, i.e., book proposals, editorial guidelines, design and production standards, and marketing plans. Guest speakers from the publishing industry and field trips provide exposure to the industry. Also offered for graduate-level credit as Wr 560 and may be taken only once for credit. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
WR 462/562 001 BOOK DESIGN SOFTWARE
Instructor: STAFF
Instructional Method: In-Person Meeting
Meeting Time: TR 9:00 - 10:40 a.m.
Comprehensive course in professional book design and production. Issues specific to the design of fiction and nonfiction books in a variety of genres and markets will be covered, including the applications of both old and new technologies in design and production. Also offered for graduate-level credit as Wr 562 and may be taken only once for credit. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Dark Horse Comics Internship
Dark Horse offers unpaid editorial internships on a limited basis. Internships may be offered for spring, summer, fall, and winter terms and last approximately three months. One or two internships are offered per term. To qualify for the position, applicants must receive college or university credit for the internship. Interns will be expected to work two eight-hour days per week and keep normal office hours (9am to 5pm), which include a lunch break. These two work days will be scheduled upon acceptance to the program.
Internships are conducted in person two days a week from 9am to 5pm. at our offices in Milwaukie, Oregon. Interns’ responsibilities include, but are not limited to: maintaining editorial files, researching reference material, managing internal paperwork, utilizing databases and digital resources, reviewing creative materials, maintaining quality control, and proofreading. Candidates should have excellent communication skills across multiple platforms (email, chat, Zoom, in person), strong organizational and administrative capabilities, basic computer skills (Google suite, Microsoft Office suite), and the ability to work independently. And of course, applicants should have a strong interest in the creation, production, and publication of comics!
To apply, send a résumé, cover letter, and information on your college or university’s internship credit requirements to internships@darkhorse.com. Mailed physical applications or applications sent via Handshake, LinkedIn, or similar services will NOT be accepted.
Applications for the Summer 2025 term are due Friday, June 6 by 5pm PT. Applications arriving after that time will not be accepted.