Graphic Minds: Using Comics To Unpack Philosophical Ideas
The Summer Enrichment Academy (SEA) at UMBC offers middle and high school students a unique, engaging, and intellectually stimulating experience. With a diverse range of one-week workshops and courses, SEA immerses students in the world of science, engineering, technology, the arts, and humanitiesâall led by UMBC faculty, industry professionals, and graduate students.
SEA's college-style experiences are designed to inspire students to think critically, work collaboratively, and challenge themselves in ways they wonât find anywhere else.
In this experience, learners will explore philosophy in depth, using comic books as a unique and powerful lens. They will ask questions such as why the world is the way it is, what the role of power is in morality, and how to know if the world is strange. They will also consider what a person is and why we should care about what that means. Finally, they will consider what duties they owe to others.
Learners will explore these timeless questions through engaging discussions and activities designed to connect philosophical ideas to iconic comic stories and characters. They will develop critical thinking skills, analyze media with a philosophical eye, and learn to uncover deeper meanings beneath the surface. Along the way, learners will interpret hero narratives philosophically, examining how these stories reflect and challenge real-world concepts of identity, morality, and justice.
Earning Criteria
- Attend at least 3 workshops.