Course Description
History of major techniques, films, directors, and movements in motion picture animation from 1895 to present. Emphasis on narrative and representational strategies.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Students will read additional history and theory materials from the Reserve Reading list and present pertinent readings to class covering assigned topics on specific animators and films. Students will write a 15-page research paper and deliver a condensed 10-minute summary presentation to class during final week of semester. Note: There is no graduate degree in Film Studies; hence the graduate students come from a wide range of departments and programs, often with little training in film.
Athena Title
History of Animation
Prerequisite
FILM 2120
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
"History of Animation" surveys the changes in technology, style, and content from the beginning of motion pictures up to contem- porary trends. The course centers on North American animation, including both Hollywood cartoons and its alternatives, from major canonical animators, such as Walt Disney and Chuck Jones, to less conventional figures, Len Lye, George Pal, and Caroline Leaf.
Topical Outline
I. Silent Animation: "Before Mickey" A. From Lighting Drawings to Emile Cohl to Windsor McCay B. Rise of Animation Studios: Bray, Fleischer, Disney C. The "Modern" Cartoon Series: Felix the Cat II. Classical Hollywood Animation A. Disney in the 1930s and 40s B. Warner Brothers vs. Fleischer vs. MGM C. Animation "Auteurs," Chuck Jones, Tex Avery III. Racism and Hollywood Cartoons: from COAL BLACK to JASPER AND THE WATERMELONS IV. Experimental Animation A. Len Lye and Camera-less Animation B. Robert Breer and the Avant Garde C. National Film Board of Canada: Norman McLaren, Caroline Leaf, and Marv Newland D. Women and Animation: Sally Cruikshank V. Computer Animation A. James Whitney's Pioneering Films B. Disney: From Tron to Pixar
Syllabus