SP.270 Spring 2004

Japanese Animation: Still Pictures, Moving Minds

This page corresponds to a course offered in Spring 2004. The instructor has left this website up as an historical resource. Please visit the main SP.270 website for up-to-date resources.

5/18/2004: Grades were submitted today. Thank you everyone for a great term, and best wishes for your future studies and pursuits.

3/29/2004: The course schedule was updated yesterday.

3/18/2004: Suggested series for analysis have been posted. Please e-mail the staff if you have any questions, comments, or corrections.

Thanks for your interest in MIT's course on Japanese animation.

About SP.270

SP.270 explores Japanese animation, known as anime, and its associated institutions in terms of media theories, aesthetics, and fan cultures. Students analyze significant series; debate over global and local reception, including fan culture growth and function; compare the anime form to other artistic works; and connect anime with contemporary and historical trends in Japan. They examine works by specific directors (Oshii Mamoru, Ishiguro Noboru, Miyazaki Hayao) and studios, supplemented with readings, screenings, and guest speakers from the US and Japan. The course is taught in English.

View the SP.270 description on the Undergraduate Seminars page in the catalog, then register on WebSIS today!

Class Meeting Times

W 3:30-5 (1-379); M EVE 7:30-10pm (4-249)

Primary Resources for Spring 2004

Read the Course Syllabus (PDF 04-Feb-2004)

Check the Schedule (PDF 28-Mar-2004)
Please note that the schedule has undergone revisions to keep it updated with the pace of the class (3/29/2004).

Access the DVD Discussion App.
There is also a list of undocumented keyboard shortcuts (PDF 06-Feb-2003) to control DVD playback. Check it out; it should help when watching material through the program.

Weekly Work

Almost all weekly work for Spring 2004 will be posted and due on H2O. Go to the H2O website to post your work!

Use of WWWJDIC

Students may use Jim Breen's WWWJDIC if they wish to expand their Japanese vocabulary. Special instructions, including a helpful shortcut for Internet Explorer, are available here.

Posters

Posters advertising the Spring 2004 anime course!! Please feel free to download and print them to hang on your wall or in your living group.
Note: The posters are provided as color PDF and PS files. They also print okay in black and white. You can print the PS files on Athena directly using the lpr command. The PS files are coded to print 5 copies per individual poster, and 2 copies (14 * 2 = 28 pages) per poster pack (the _pack file).
Access the posters