ANIM 106 History of Animation Course explores the origins of the animation process, beginning with animated films by J. Stewart Blackton, Emil Cohl, Len Lye, Winsor McCay, and many others through to present day productions. The lives and environments, as well as the artistic and narrative influences on these and other animators, will be dissected and studied. The class will involve weekly screenings of films and videos from around the world, including both independent and commercial, to get an understanding of where this art form has been and where it might be going. Emphasis will be on understanding the motivations and influences on animation artists, and how as contemporary animators you might benefit from studying them.