The course intends to explore forms, techniques, films, authors and trends that have been particularly significant in the evolution of animation at both national and international levels. It aims to provide methodological tools and in depth knowledge in historical, aesthetic and theoretical fields, to foster the ability to engage critically with the processes and cultural contexts of animation, and to develop skills in the analysis of animated audiovisual texts. A special attention is paid to the relationships with comics, videogames, new technologies and practices connected to Visual Effects.