Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human characteristics to animal or non-living things, phenomena, material states, objects or abstract concepts.  Examples include animals, plants and forces of nature such as winds, rain or the sun depicted as creatures with human motivations, and/or the abilities to converse.  The word derives from the combination of the Greek words for “human” and “shape” or “form.”  Anthropomorphism is also referred to as “personification.”  It is strongly associated with art and storytelling, where it has ancient roots.  Most cultures possess a long-standing fable tradition with anthropomorphized animals as characters that can stand as commonly recognized types of human behavior.  Many of the stereotypes of animals that are recognized today, such as a proud lion, can be traced to ancient fables, stories that impart a moral or practical lesson and usually feature animals.  This lecture links those traditions with Classic Cartoons, including Looney Tunes, Mickey Mouse and the Pink Panther.