VMA 107Anime

Catalog

Anime will be explored in the context of the history of animation and Japanese animation's role in that history. We will examine anime specifically as to its prevailing themes and its relationship to social, political and cultural movements both in Japan and in the U.S. We will look in detail at the nature of anime's reception in terms of screens (movies, TV, DVDs, Internet) and fan culture (otaku), as well as genres, social messages, and gender roles. The nature of animation as a specific use of the cinematic/moving image medium will be a central focus of the course. This course meets the General Education requirement for General Education Elective.