History & Critical Reflection in Animation II

Course Aims

• Students learn to position themselves in relation to aesthetic, social, cultural, and technical aspects of animation.
• Students learn to critically apply principles of animation film analysis to films relevant to their own projects.
• Students develop sensitivity toward animation perspectives from other cultures and regions worldwide.

Course Content

In a series of masterclasses, students engage with screenings and analyses of animation films and productions significant to either the history or contemporary state-of-the-art of the medium.

The course avoids a linear or one-sided historical perspective, instead presenting works that represent diverse aesthetic, technical, and socio-cultural viewpoints. Students are encouraged to critically situate themselves in relation to these perspectives and contribute their own insights during discussions.

Masterclasses serve as the foundation for an individual video essay, where students focus on a movement, artist, genre, or series of films/productions relevant to their own research project.

Active participation is required, including sessions in which students present individually or in groups an overview of the historic and contemporary animation context in their own country or region.

Evaluation

Deliverables

An individual short video essay providing a critical reflection on aesthetic, cultural, social, and technical aspects of at least one animation film, director, studio, movement, or institution. The essay should relate to class topics and engage with the student’s own research project and cultural background.

Assessment Breakdown

• 20% Active participation in classes.
• 30% First version of the script.
• 50% Final video essay.