Animation Journal, available in the university library
Animation Studies, available from http://journal.animationstudies.org/
Buchan, S. (Ed.) (2006) Animated 'Worlds'. London. John Libbey.
Canemaker, J. (Ed.) (1988) Storytelling in Animation. Los Angeles. AFI.
Pilling, J. (Ed.) (1997) A Reader in Animation Studies. London. John Libbey.
Sandler, K. (Ed.) (1998) Reading the Rabbit - Explorations in Warner Bros. Animation. New Brunswick, New Jersey and London. Rutgers University Press.
Wells, P. (1998) Understanding Animation. London. Routledge.
Wells, P. (2002) Animation: Genre and Authorship. London and New York. Wallflower.

A range of books, subject-specific periodicals and journals, newspaper and other related articles, as well as texts relating to the design process and the promotion of design relevant to your course of study should be employed as negotiated with the module manager - together with any subject-specific visual, audio or audio-visual evidence to support your work.

Recommended
You will be expected to take advantage of the extensive library facilities available within the University, keeping abreast of current developments through appropriate periodicals and being aware of the work of major practitioners in your subject.

Library
Internet access
Blackboard
Design archive

This module is intended to explore the relationship between contemporary practice in the field of animation and contemporary society. The main focus will be on a range of contemporary animation professionals and the theoretical underpinnings of their work. The module will consider the extent to which they have assimilated and synthesised various pieces of stylistic, theoretical or practical information from these traditions in the production of contemporary films.
The module is organised as a series of debates on different topics based on a strong research informed teaching ethos. Students have input in choosing some of the debate subjects and the research conducted by them will be shared not just with this year group, but Levels 4 and 6 as well, informing not just the debates of this module but contributing to a larger contextual understanding of the whole Animation student body.

The module is based on a set of topical debates which will take place in class, and learning strategies include

1. Lectures: for the delivery of knowledge, theory, visual and historical background
2. Seminars: for the development of key conceptual and communications skills
3. Group tutorials: for guidance with the assignment
4. Independent learning: to develop individual student research and information gathering techniques

Key Information Set:
20 % Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities
80% Guided Independent Study

1. UNDERSTAND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANIMATION THEORY AND PRACTICE.
Analysis

2. APPLY THIS AWARENESS TO A TOPIC FOR THE PURPOSE OF INDEPENDENT RESEARCH.
Enquiry

3. APPLY A RANGE OF RESEARCH METHODS AND PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SOURCES IN THE PRODUCTION OF AN ASSIGMENT.
Communication
Visual Analysis

100% Portfolio
The portfolio will typically include the following and will be marked holistically:
An essay of 2500 words (plus reference list and appropriate appendices)
A research poster
An executive-summary style hand-out

[Learning Outcomes 1-3]