Invitation to the international workshop "Comics as Educational Media in the 20th Century: International Perspectives"

5 December 2024

Photo: ComBiMe

We hereby cordially invite you to the international workshop "Comics as Educational Media in the 20th Century: International Perspectives" on the 17th and 18th of January. The workshop will conclude the German Research Foundation project “Comics as Educational Media in the Federal Republic of Germany (from the 1960s to the 1980s)” led by LiDS member Sylvia Kesper-Biermann.

At present it seems like common sense that comics can be a beneficial tool for educational purposes. Their ability to explain and illustrate even complicated topics as well as their motivational impact seem to make them perfect to “loosen up” the classroom. However, in the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), this approval of comics only came after a phase, during the 1950s, of vehement rejection and fear with regard to the supposed dangers of comics. They were accused of causing analphabetism, increasing juvenile delinquency and keeping children away from “good literature”. Similar to the FRG, other countries experienced their own struggles and discussions surrounding the use of comics in educational contexts. The upcoming workshop “Comics as Educational Media in the 20th Century: International Perspectives” aims to focus on these developments in East Germany, Poland, France, Great Britain, the USA and Japan. Six speakers will shed light on comic reception and usage in education in their countries of research, opening up a room for comparison and discussion.

The international workshop will take place on the on the 17th and 18th of January at the University of Hamburg, Von-Melle-Park 8, room 212 and is open to the public. As there is only limited space available, prior registration is required. To participate, please send a short e-mail to anna.strunk"AT"uni-hamburg.de. Registration is open until the 31st of December 2024. The program and further information can be found on the flyer: Flyer