Bridging the Gap: A Literacy‐Oriented Approach to Teaching the Graphic Novel Der erste Frühling

Abstract

This article examines the phenomenon of graphic novels generally, and in particular, their utility in second‐language contexts via the example of the graphic adaptation of Klaus Kordoris Der erste Frühling. This text lends itself especially to bridging thematic gaps in 20th‐century German literature courses, as well as the “language/literature divide,” which is a current topic in language pedagogy. The article provides specific classroom techniques, in‐class tasks, and writing assignments that will accommodate the varying student proficiency levels that often challenge instructors in second‐ and third‐year college German courses.