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Auteur Theory – Auteurs of Anime
172 001 | CCN: 31381
Location: Dwinelle 188
Date and Time: TU, TH 12:30pm - 1:59pm
4 Units
This course, which serves as an introduction to anime studies, examines the many different forces of creativity that go into Japanese animation. Listed under the “auteurs (authors/directors) of anime” course listing, this course will delve into the work of some of the major directors (from Tezuka Osamu to Miyazaki Hayao to Kon Satoshi and beyond). Yet we will also question the idea of authorship to open up many questions about the formation and reception of anime. What does it mean to be animated? How do the forces of distribution make a difference, globally and locally? What are the powers of a plastic line? What is the role of voice and sound? What would it mean to follow a meme, or a piece of software/technology for generating color, or a voice actor, or a character across media as alternative kinds of ‘auteur’? We will explore the history of animation throughout the 20th century and end by opening up cutting edge research topics in the studies of animation, mobilizing students’ broad range of backgrounds and knowledge for collaborative projects to add to the field.