ClassInfo

ANI 206 History of Animation

Paloma Trecka

Winter 2018-2019
Class number: 25448
Section number: 503
TuTh 11:50AM - 1:20PM
14EAS 00802 Loop Campus

Summary

ANI 206
History of Animation
Spring2017
Instructor: Paloma Trecka

Course Description
This course is an introduction to the history and development of the field of animation. We will explore this subject from various perspectives: by chronology, from its prehistory before the invention of film to the present day; by form, including method and medium; by culture, comparing the US to Japan, Russia, Europe and others; by subject; and by personality, concentrating on the figures who have shaped the art form and continue to influence it through their example. Students are expected to bring an enthusiastic interest in the medium, and to devote serious effort to reading about, viewing, researching and discussing animation and the artists who have created it.

During our examination of the artwork, we will pay special attention to the attitudes and influences of race, gender, technology, culture, and the conflict between art and industry.

Course Objectives
To instill an appreciation of the technical and artistic contributions of animators throughout history

To build the students? critical vocabulary, and to encourage reflective criticism (both oral and written) of works of animation.

To gain an understanding of the economic, social and technological contexts that have shaped animation?s development around the world

To learn to trace and recognize historical influences on later styles and forms

To discover lesser-known work from under-represented genres and cultures, and the value of their diversity

To explore the varied potential of animation as an entertaining, expressive and meaningful art form

Liberal Studies Arts and Literature Domain
Description
ANI 206 is included in the Liberal Studies program as a course with credit in the Arts and Literature Domain. Courses in the Arts and Literature Domain ask students to extend their knowledge and experience of the arts by developing their critical and reflective abilities. In these courses, students interpret and analyze particular creative works, investigate the relations of form and meaning, and through critical and/or creative activity to come to experience art with greater openness, insight, and enjoyment. These courses focus on works of literature, art, theatre, or music as such, though the process of analysis may also include social and cultural issues. Students who take course in this domain choose three courses from such choices as literature, the visual arts, media arts, music, and theater. No more than two courses can be chosen from one department or program.

Attendance
Student absences are not expected to exceed more than 10% (2 absences) of the number of the classes scheduled for the semester. A third absence will result in the lowering of your final grade one full letter. Any student missing 4 classes will be given a grade of ?F? for the semester.

Tardiness is defined as not in the classroom when attendance is called or departing before the class has been formally dismissed by the instructor. Tardiness that exceeds thirty minutes will be counted as an absence. TWO late arrivals or early departures, or a combination of both, are counted as one absence. If you arrive late for class, it is your responsibility to make sure that you have been marked tardy rather than absent.

The largest impact of absences will be on your quiz performance. All films shown and discussed in class are fair game for quiz questions, as is any other subject that we discuss, whether in the reading or not.

No incompletes will be given without documented proof of circumstances beyond your control.


Screenings
We will be watching many examples of animation, complete when possible, but often just selected parts due to our time constraints. Unfortunately, some of you may not find all of them as enjoyable as I do, and I apologize in advance. I will try to share with you why they are worth watching, and how to gain a better appreciation of some of the more challenging examples. Remember, this is a university class, and the purpose is education, not just entertainment.

Animation, especially the independent variety, can be purposefully crude and provocative, and some may take offense at what is shown. This is an academic environment, and a mature and respectful attitude must be maintained towards the subject and your classmates.

Class Work
This class will require a large amount of reading. All students are expected to have completed the scheduled reading assignments, and be prepared to participate in the discussion of the text and its relation to the work viewed. I will frequently ask reading comprehension questions about the assigned reading at the beginning of class (correct responses will positively affect your participation grade).?

Every two weeks you will write a one page (approximately 400 words) reaction paper about an animated film that will be screened in class. I will assign a specific film or films per paper.
?
There will be four quizzes, which will each cover the previous two weeks? subjects (including the lectures and discussions).

The final exam will cover broader subjects from throughout the semester (including the lectures and discussions), as well as the final two weeks of class.

All reading assignments will be listed on our D2L site: https://d2l.depaul.edu

Research Paper -DUE by the end of the quarter.
You will research and write a five-page research paper, with supporting sources, on any of the general animation topics covered in the syllabus, or an equivalent (?Animation Behind the Iron Curtain,? for example). You may choose to discuss animators who are listed (or others that were not) in the lecture schedule, and whose work relates to your chosen subject. You need to have watched at least one example of each animator?s work, and discuss it in the paper. Your paper must have at least three research sources other than the course textbook, two non-internet sources. Make sure you spend time and research deciding on your topic.


Grading

4 quizzes -5 points each

4 reaction papers -5 points each

4 reading assignments-5 points each

1 research paper-20 points

1 final written exam-20 points

Total 100 = A

10 bonus points for participation, based on attendance, punctuality and active class participation.

A = 100-93, A- = 92-90, B+ = 89-88, B = 87-83, B- = 82-80, C+ = 79-78, C = 77-73, C- = 72-70, D+ = 69-68, D = 67-63, D- = 62-60, F = 59-0.
A indicates excellence, B indicates good work, C indicates satisfactory work, D work is unsatisfactory in some respect, F is substantially unsatisfactory work.

Academic Integrity
Work done for this course must adhere to the DePaul University Academic Integrity Policy, which you can review in the Student Handbook or by visiting http://studentaffairs.depaul.edu/homehandbook.html.

Bibliography
Required Text: The World History of Animation by Stephen Cavalier, University of California Press; 1 edition (September 9, 2011), ISBN: 9780520261129

Recommended:
? Experimental Animation: Origins of a New Art by Robert Russett and Cecile Starr. Da Capo Press, 1976.
? Cartoons: 100 Years of Cinema Animation by Giannalberto Bendazzi. Indiana University Press, 1996.

? Animation Art: From Pencil to Pixel, the World of Cartoon, Anime, and CGI by Jerry Beck. Collins Design, 2004.
?
? Of Mice and Magic by Leonard Maltin. Plume Books, 1987
? Disney Animation: the Illusion of Life by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston.? Hyperion, 1995.
? Art in Motion: Animation Aesthetics by Maureen Furniss. Indiana University Press, 1998
? Understanding Animation by Paul Wells. Routledge, 1998.
? Before Mickey by Donald Crafton. University of Chicago Press, 1993.
? *Masters of Animation by John Grant. Watson-Guptill, 2001.
? Animation and America by Paul Wells. Rutgers University Press, 2002.
? Serious Business: The Art and Commerce of Animation in America by Stefan Kanfer. DeCapo Press, 2000.
? A Reader in Animation Studies by Jane Pilling. Indiana
University Press, 1999.






Class work includes:
SCREENINGS

We will be watching many examples of animation, complete when possible, but often just selected parts due to our time constraints.?There is a good chance that some of the films that we screen in class will not be able for you to find on your own, and everything shown in class is liable to be material for a quiz question, so it would be a wise idea to take notes as we view and discuss work.


REQUIRED Reading assignments:

There are four graded reading assignments that you must submit online (D2L).
All reading assignments will be listed on D2L https://d2l.depaul.edu and have reading questions assigned with them.?
These reading questions are required and can be used as study guides. We will use the reading questions and answers for our discussions in class. Come prepared to answer.

Assigned readings will relate to the upcoming lecture, and will give you background or critical discussion on the work we will watch. All students are expected to have read the scheduled texts, and to be prepared to participate in our class discussions of the readings and the work screened. Class discussions and reading comprehension questions are considered to be part of your participation grade.

Reaction papers?
These papers should be approximately 400 words, five cohesive paragraphs and should discuss an animated film that we have screened in class. Each reaction paper assignment will have specific films that you may choose from.

Research paper
The course also requires a 2000 words research paper on any animation topic. I will give you some guidelines and tips for how to go about this. Your paper needs at least three research sources other than the class text and at least two should be non-internet. PAPERS THAT HAVE WIKIPEDIA LISTED AS A SOURCE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. There are several useful books on animation history at the DePaul Loop Library.

Quizzes
There are four quizzes scheduled for the quarter that will cover information from the lectures, readings and screenings of the previous two weeks.

Each week I will post a related PowerPoint presentation along with relevant links to films. Please refer to these, as well as the lecture and films screened in class when studying for the quizzes.

Final Exam
The final exam will cover broader topics from the course.
Always check the https://d2l.depaul.edu for updates

Changes to Syllabus
This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L or and sent via email.

Online Teaching Evaluation
Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely separate from the student?s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation.
Students complete the evaluation online in?http://campusconnect.depaul.edu

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at?http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/. If you have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.

Academic Policies
All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at:?cdm.depaul.edu/enrollment
Students with Disabilities
Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:?csd@depaul.edu.
Lewis Center 1420, 25 E. Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002?
Fax: (312)362-6544?
TTY: (773)325.7296





Texts

Required Text: The World History of Animation by Stephen Cavalier, University of California Press; 1 edition (September 9, 2011), ISBN: 9780520261129
Recommended:
? Experimental Animation: Origins of a New Art by Robert Russett and Cecile Starr. Da Capo Press, 1976.
? Cartoons: 100 Years of Cinema Animation by Giannalberto Bendazzi. Indiana University Press, 1996.

? Animation Art: From Pencil to Pixel, the World of Cartoon, Anime, and CGI by Jerry Beck. Collins Design, 2004.
?
? Of Mice and Magic by Leonard Maltin. Plume Books, 1987
? Disney Animation: the Illusion of Life by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston.? Hyperion, 1995.
? Art in Motion: Animation Aesthetics by Maureen Furniss. Indiana University Press, 1998
? Understanding Animation by Paul Wells. Routledge, 1998.
? Before Mickey by Donald Crafton. University of Chicago Press, 1993.
? *Masters of Animation by John Grant. Watson-Guptill, 2001.
? Animation and America by Paul Wells. Rutgers University Press, 2002.
? Serious Business: The Art and Commerce of Animation in America by Stefan Kanfer. DeCapo Press, 2000.
? A Reader in Animation Studies by Jane Pilling. Indiana
University Press, 1999.









Grading

4 quizzes -5 points each

4 reaction papers -5 points each

4 reading assignments-5 points each

1 research paper-20 points

1 final written exam-20 points

Total 100 = A

10 bonus points for participation, based on attendance, punctuality and active class participation.

A = 100-93, A- = 92-90, B+ = 89-88, B = 87-83, B- = 82-80, C+ = 79-78, C = 77-73, C- = 72-70, D+ = 69-68, D = 67-63, D- = 62-60, F = 59-0.
A indicates excellence, B indicates good work, C indicates satisfactory work, D work is unsatisfactory in some respect, F is substantially unsatisfactory work.

Academic Integrity
Work done for this course must adhere to the DePaul University Academic Integrity Policy, which you can review in the Student Handbook or by visiting http://studentaffairs.depaul.edu/homehandbook.html.


School policies:

Changes to Syllabus

This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.

Online Course Evaluations

Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation. Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.

All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.

Academic Policies

All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx.

Students with Disabilities

Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296