DECONSTRUCTING DISNEY

Disney and analogous animations are a medium not usually perceived as high art, but are just as applicable for critical analysis. In this colloquium we will perilously engage in deconstructing archetypes, mythological figures, and conflicting ideologies in the Disney “universe.” Disney’s persistent use of adapted story, dead family members, gender roles, race, distorted history, as well as manipulation of visual presentation, music, history, popular culture and subtle sexuality – makes the Disney oeuvre a thing that can be explored by both the childish and cerebral. This colloquium will also explore new methods of telling story when universal brand and a globalized audience must be considered. Writing projects will include critical essays and creative writing within the topic. Students will turn in a portfolio of collected stories, poetry and essays at the end of the quarter. Exploration of other forms of media, like Hanna Barbara, Pixar, or Hayao Miyazaki films, will also be allowed.

Note: Student Colloquia are limited to a maximum of Two (2.0) units Pass. Units for this class are lower-division UCSB units.

 Recommended Reading:

Byrne, Eleanor. Deconstructing Disney. Pluto Press: London, 1999.

Griffin, Sean. Tinker Belles and Evil Queens. University Press: New York, 2000.

Wasko, Janet. Understanding Disney. Blackwell Publishers Ltd: Cambridge, 2001.

Student Instructor:  Desmond White