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.
Winter 2026 Courses
ENG 496 001 COMICS THEORY
Instructor: Kirtley, Susan
Instructional Method: Hybrid
Meeting Time: W 11am-12:40pm
Comics, graphic novels, comic strips, cartoons. There are many terms for them, but they are all names for innovative storytelling done through some combination of words and images. While picture-images date as far back as the Egyptian tombs and the caves of Lascaux, our course will consider the development of the modern comic in twentieth- and twenty-first- century America. This course will focus on comics theory, understanding and applying theory to primary texts.
If you would like to request an override of the prerequisites, please email skirtley@pdx.edu.
JPN 344U 001 MANGA: JAPANESE GRAPHIC NOVELS
Instructor: Holt, Jon
Instructional Method: In-Person Meeting
Meeting Time: MW 9-10:40am
Readings of masterpieces of Japanese comic books, analysis of writing about the graphic-novel form. Readings of the manga are followed by discussion of the artistic style, questions about Japanese society, and each novel’s place in the history of the genre. Readings /discussions are in English.
WR 398 001 WRITING COMICS
Instructor: Bendis, Brian
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 460/560 001 INTRO TO BOOK PUBLISHING
Instructor: Noorda, Rachel
Instructional Method: Hybrid
Meeting Time: T 11am-12:40pm
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: Reed, Jessica
Instructional Method: Hybrid
Meeting Time: R 9-10:40 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.
WR 471/571 001 TYPOGRAPHY, LAYOUT, PRODUCTION
Instructor: Schumacher, Elaine
Instructional Method: In-Person Meeting
Meeting Time: T 1:30-3:10pm
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. Prerequisite: WR 562: Book Design Software.
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 Winter 2026 term are due Friday, December 19 by 5pm PT. Applications arriving after that time will not be accepted.