FILM303 - Topics in Animation History

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Academic Year 2005/2006

Topics in Animation History
FILM 303 SP

Animation in film and television and on the internet has, in the last few years, enjoyed a tremendous resurgence in popularity. How has animation evolved from line drawings on a chalkboard to fully rendered computer-generated "environments" in less than 100 years? By taking a chronological approach to the study of animation, this course will investigate such matters as the ontology of animation, how animation differentiates itself from live-action filmmaking, animation aesthetics, animation's methods of narration, and animation's changing place in the economics of the motion picture industry. The course will consider all types (traditional, stop-motion, CG) of animation.

MAJOR READINGS

Screenings (including but not limited to):
-early works by Emile Cohl, Winsor McCay, Ladislav Starevicz
-films by Viking Eggeling, Oskar Fischinger, Len Lye, Norman McLaren
-the works of Alexandre Alexeieff and Clare Parker
-short Hollywood cartoons from Fleischer Studios, Warner Bros., Columbia, Disney
-Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
- works by Hayao Miyazaki
-recent computer-animated films such as Toy Story 2 and Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within

Readings (including but no t limited to):
Crafton, BEFORE MICKEY
Barrier, HOLLYWOOD CARTOONS
Maltin, OF MICE AND MAGIC
McCarthy on anime, a course reader with various short essays.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

There will be one major research paper assigned at the end of the semester, as well as smaller writing assignments and class presentations during the semester.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Students are expected to attend all screenings, at which attendance will be taken. Open to junior and senior film majors and sophomore candidates to the film major who have taken FILM304 and FILM310. Course fee: $60.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: HA FILM Grading Mode: Graded

Prerequisites: FILM304 AND FILM310

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): De Seife,Ethan R.

Times: .M.W... 01:10PM-04:30PM; Location: AWKS010;

Reserved Seats: (Total Limit: 24)

Special Attributes:

Curricular Renewal: Reading Non-Verbal Texts, Writing

Permission: Permission of Instructor Required
POI will be granted by the instructor during the drop/add period using electronic drop/add.

Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006