UNDERSTANDING ANIMATION - 2020/1

Module Overview

Innovations in frame-by-frame filmmaking techniques and technology have played a significant role in the evolution of cinema and the moving image. Animation could be argued as the precursor to cinema, as early animation devices preceded the invention of the motion picture camera. Today, animation and frame-by-frame filmmaking plays a significant role in cinema – from special effects in blockbuster Hollywood films to the rise in popularity and success of animated features.
This module addresses animation from a historical and/or contemporary perspective by looking at examples of different types of frame-by-frame filmmaking (e.g. traditional animation, digital and CGI animation, studio animation, independent and artist animation). The focus of the module will vary according to the convener’s interest and expertise, but could, for example, focus on one example of animation in-depth (e.g. Disney animation or digital animation) or cover a range in terms of history, technology, aesthetics. By responding to the convener’s research interests and expertise, the module will introduce current research in animation and/or film studies and/or new media studies.

Module provider

School of Literature and Languages

Module Leader

HONESS ROE Bella (Lit & Langs)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

Module cap (Maximum number of students): 20

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None.

Module content

A possible list of topics could include

• Early animation and frame-by-frame techniques


• The early animation studios


• Disney and studio animation


• The Golden Age of American animation


• Avant-garde, abstract and artist animation


• Case studies of national animation


• Computer and digital animation


• The evolution of 3D technology

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

Recorded presentation or oral examination.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge of important moments, theories and issues associated with animation, the ability to analyse a specific film, body of work or studio in depth and within a broader context of animation studies/ history. The presentation is designed to develop students oral skills by asking them to ‘teach’ their peers (rather than merely ‘present’ to them)

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• Individual 25-minute presentation (during teaching weeks - topics assigned at beginning of semester), including a non-assessed self-reflection


• 1-page reflection on presentation, to be uploaded within a week of the in-class feedback. This is not given a mark, but failure to complete this will result in a mark of 0 for the presentation 


• Participation in weekly seminars


• 2000-2500 word essay (end of semester)

• In-class reflections on presentations


• Essay preparation sessions (such as outline workshops, pitching sessions and reflections on previous feedback)


• Individual essay tutorials 


• In-class participation in verbal analysis of films and readings

Module aims

• Provide an opportunity to investigate and discuss contemporary and/or historical animation and frame-by-frame film making
• Provide an understanding of different styles, techniques and aesthetics of analogue and digital animation and other frame-by-frame techniques of film making
• Look at key theoretical questions associated with understanding and interpreting animation
• Situate animation within the context of live action cinema
• Develop students’ confidence in presentation skills in preparation for graduation

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

• Provide students with a in-depth knowledge of animation


• Expose students to the range and depth of animation


• Provide students with the necessary knowledge and analytical skills to interpret and analyse the work of animated media


• Allow students to practice these analytical skills verbally and in writing


• Develop students’ confidence in oral presentation

• Lecturer and seminars


• Reading using lecturer’s guidance


• Film screenings


• Researching and preparing presentations


• Participating in discussion

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MFC3042

Other information

This module has a capped number and may not be available to ERASMUS and other international exchange students. Please check with the International Engagement Office email: ieo.incoming@surrey.ac.uk

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2020/1 academic year.