Media Arts & Sciences 112 Syllabus Contemporary Issues in Animated Films*
Monday – Friday, June 12 -16 Pixar Theory that is guaranteed to Summer 2017 provide a week’s worth of delightful Somerset County Library entertainment, warm lunches, and Professor Marissa Hause community-building discussion for teens Phone: 814-445-5907 participating in the Somerset County [email protected] Library’s 2017 Teen Summer Learning Club’s Contemporary Issues in Animated *This is not a real college course. It is, however, a whimsical tour of the original Films Summer Camp. ======Course Overview During the Contemporary Issues in Animated Films Summer Camp, we will watch 10 Disney/Pixar films in chronological order in an attempt to breakdown the Pixar Theory which believes that all of the Disney/Pixar films are related and build off one another in their own sort of universe (that is based in ours).
The course will follow the links between the films and discuss both existing theories around the relationship between the films as well as discover new possibilities. We will also, of course, look at the gaps between the films where the theory could possibly fall short and be negated. Some topics to be discussed throughout the summer include (but are not limited to): Apocalyptic repercussions of human activity in the Disney/Pixar universe The relationship between animals and humans in the Disney/Pixar universe The role of big business in the Disney/Pixar universe The two progressions of the will of the wisps: animal and artificial intelligence
Recommended Reading It is recommended that you read Jon Negroni’s original article “The Pixar Theory” before attending class. https://jonnegroni.com/2013/07/11/the-pixar-theory/
Goals This course is designed to deepen your understanding of the Disney/Pixar universe. It is intended to open your mind to the possibility of a correlation existing between each of the films. By viewing all of the films throughout the course it is to be expected that you will gain an understanding of the theory surrounding the films and be able to find both gaps and links in the universe. You will also be able to determine whether you think the Pixar Theory is possible or ridiculous. You may even build a theory of your own!
Films (in order of viewing)
Brave 2012 93 minutes The Incredibles 2004 115 minutes Toy Story 1995 81 minutes Finding Nemo 2003 100 minutes Ratatouille 2007 111 minutes Up 2009 96 minutes Cars 2006 117 minutes Wall-E 2009 98 minutes A Bug’s Life 1998 95 minutes Monsters, Inc 2001 92 minutes
Schedule Date Subject Matter Topics of Discussion June 12 Monday Class Meeting Begin thinking about how the Brave magic of the wisps will progress The based on your previous knowledge Incredibles What do you think will happen in The Incredibles 2? June 13 Tuesday Class Meeting What do you think will happen in Toy Story Finding Dory? Finding Nemo Discuss the identity of Andy’s mom June 14 Wednesday Class Meeting Discuss the growing animosity Ratatouille between animals and humans Up Discuss the growth of big business
June 15 Thursday Class Meeting Discuss the quality of life in Wall-E Cars and if it could happen in our future Wall-E Discuss Planes June 16 Friday Class Meeting Discuss the future of the A Bug’s Life Disney/Pixar universe Monsters, Inc. Will Boo ever find Sully again? Discuss The Good Dinosaur and its potential Bonus Points! Discuss the link between Frozen, Tangled and The Little Mermaid