LCC 3853 Special Topics in Film: Animation

Instructor: J. P. Telotte                                                 E-mail: jay.telotte@lcc.gatech.edu

Office: Skiles 335B (Office Hours, MWF 11-12)        Fall 2008

While not quite a history of film animation, this course examines the form chronologically from its earliest days as part of a cinema of “attractions” to its current development as a predominantly digital practice that challenges the place of live-action cinema. It takes as its primary emphasis the concept of “animating space,” which refers both to how we give life to images and to how we employ the space of the screen in the process of animation.  In exploring that concept, we shall emphasize the works of Winsor McCay, the Fleischer brothers, Ub Iwerks, the Disney studio, Warner Bros., Pixar Studio, and others.  Our goal is threefold: to introduce some of the major films and filmmakers of the animation genre (emphasizing American cinema), to establish several of the key concerns involved in animation aesthetics, and to better understand the trajectory linking traditional animation and the contemporary cinematic fascination with digital imagery.

Students attend weekly film/video screenings, read material on animation history, studios, and aesthetics, and discuss the readings and viewings. Grades depend on: two quizzes (each 20% of grade), a term paper of 7-10 pages on a topic approved by the instructor (20% of the grade), an oral report (20% of the grade), and a comprehensive final (20%). Attendance and participation also factor into the final grade.  The term paper must focus on multiple films, have a research component, and involve material/films beyond the required class readings/viewings. Graduate students must do an additional paper (7pp.) focused on some aspect of experimental/avant-garde animation.

  A few caveats: Late papers may be accepted (given adequate reason), but a grade penalty is automatic.  While attendance and participation factor in the final grade for the course, excessive absences (more than five) will cost one letter grade. All students are expected to abide by the Georgia Tech Honor Code. Any violations--plagiarism, unacknowledged borrowing, etc.--will result in a failing grade and a report to the Office of Academic Integrity for disciplinary action.

Texts:   

• Maltin. Of Mice and Magic. New York: Plume, 1987. (MM)
• Furniss. Art in Motion: Animation Aesthetics. Eastleigh, UK: John Libby, 2007. (AM)
• Selected films, screened Wednesdays, 3 PM
• Selected essays on electronic reserve. (ER)

Date:                     Assignments:                                                                    

Feature Film Notes

• Akira
• Bambi
• Beowulf
• 101 Dalmatians
• The Polar Express
• The Three Caballeros
• Toy Story
• Who Framed Roger Rabbit?