15 week, one semester course offered FALL SEMESTER ONLY
$420 per student
Once Upon a Studio: History and Appreciation of Disney Animated Film Course Description: In this one semester course students will explore the history, storytelling traditions, and animation techniques of Disney animated films from the 1920s to today. We will dive into the life and history of Walt Disney himself. Cultural influence and impact of Disney’s life works will also be explored. Students will learn to analyze films as works of art, reflect on how stories evolve over time, and develop media literacy skills through discussion, writing, and creative projects. Course Objectives: By the end of the course, students will be able to: •Understand key milestones in Disney film history •Identify elements of storytelling, animation, music, and character design •Analyze how films reflect cultural values and historical contexts •Compare classic and modern Disney films •Express informed opinions about film through discussion and creative work
Course Units Unit 1 – Foundations of Film and Animation & Intro to Walt Disney
Intro to Storytelling through Film & The Life of Walt Disney
What is film?
What makes stories memorable?
Overview of Walt Disney and the studios beginning
The Birth of Animation and Walt Disney Studios
Early animation techniques (flip books, hand-drawn animation)
Mickey Mouse and Steamboat Willie (1928)
Synchronized sound
Adaptations of Fairy Tales
The first full length animated feature film that changed history – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
How Disney adapts fairy tales
Role of songs in storytelling
Unit 2 – The Classic Ages of Disney Films
The Golden Age of Disney (1937-1942)
Snow White, Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo, Bambi
Role of songs in animated films
Themes: morality, nature, imagination
The Silver Age of Disney (1950-1967)
Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Lady and the Tramp, Sleeping Beauty, 101 Dalmatians, The Sword in the Stone, The Jungle Book
Advancement of animation technology
The first Disney Park and the last days of Walt Disney, Walt's apartment in Disneyland
The Bronze Age of Disney (1970-1977)
The Aristocats, Robin Hood, Winnie the Pooh, The Rescuers
Shifts in tone – moves away from fairy tales and princesses
How Disney films changed during this era
The Dark Age of Disney (1981-1988)
Unit 3- The Disney Renaissance and Modern Films
The Disney Renaissance (1989-1999)
The Little Mermaid, The Rescuers Down Under, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules, Mulan, Tarzan
Shift into stronger character arcs
Broadway influence
Diversity and portrayal of culture
Experimental Era (1999-2008)
Emperor’s New Groove, Lilo and Stitch, Treasure Planet, Brother Bear
The Revival and Modern Disney (2009- present)
Princess and the Frog, Tangled, Frozen, Moana, Encanto
Pixar and the Computer Animation Revolution
Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Up, The Incredibles. Inside Out, Coco
Transition from hand drawn to CGI
Pixar’s storytelling approach
Themes: identity, family, belonging and grief/loss
Unit 4- Disney’s Legacy
Disney’s Influence across the globe
Disney’s impact on animation worldwide
Theme parks: Disneyland, Disney World etc.
Merchandising and pop culture, D23 Convention
Final Project, Student Creativity and Celebration of Disney
Showcase of student creativity and end of semester projects
Final reflection, discussion and celebration of Disney
Note: Though this class is being offered by Signing in the Gap, it will be taught in plain English and no ASL (sign language) will be taught or learned.