Courses / Undergraduate

Spring 2019

  • Special Topics in Film Genre: History of Animation

    108 - 003 | CCN: 32085

    Russell Merritt

    4 Units

    T/TH 12:30 – 2:00 PM Dwinelle 188; Screening Wednesday 3:30 – 6:30 PM, Dwinelle 188 ///

    In this course we study the major currents in international animation from the silent
    pioneering work of Winsor McCay and Emile Cole through anime, independent avant-
    garde work, and major currents in 3-D animation. The course revisits the best-known
    animation studios – Disney, the Fleischer Brothers, Warners, George Pal, and UPA – as
    the producers who helped redefine and Americanize narrative fantasy. We also examine
    European, Eastern European, Canadian, Russian, Chinese and Japanese studios for
    alternatives to the American juggernaut, and study how new forms of animation –
    including digital – respond to both political and artistic demands of the twenty-first
    century. Along with the films, we trace the shifts and changes of animation theory as it
    illustrates and challenges animation practice.

    Required reading. A course reader. Other readings to be announced.