Absolutely loved this course. If you love anime and want to develop a deeper appreciation for it, take this course. If you are interested in what anime is all about and its history, take this course. It honestly has something for everyone, drawing from all eras of anime 1920s-now and is an absolute joy of a class.

Only thing to be warned about is the extremely long weekly readings, but honestly you can just skim them to get the main idea. Class covers the history of anime and how it connects with what is portrayed in the anime made at the time (1920s-now) I know that may sound boring but the history of anime is about as if not more complex and interesting than most anime plot lines. You'll start the week with a weekly anime viewing and then two more lectures in the week to discuss the anime and readings and how it all connects. Exams and attendance are the main grading criteria with one final paper at the end. Exams aren't too challenging so long as you pay attention in lecture, they have multiple choice, matching, and a short essay component. Not super ridiculous course, but not a super free A, alt...read more

Prof. Ridgley is fantastic, super knowledgeable and likeable guy. Keeps his presentations interesting and enjoys having open dialog with the class on the abstract topics explored in this class which will keep you engaged. Also quite funny, especially when you get to the more bizarre anime in the viewings.

Just know that the readings are long, was not expecting 30 page readings twice a week, but as I said, skim for the main points, (only one multiple choice question on each exam that come from something detailed in the readings, but you didn't hear that from me). Also he goes over the main points of the readings in class so no worries if you can't get through all of them.