Classes Offered · USC Schedule of Classes

Animation (CTAN)

http://cinema.usc.edu/animation
Fall and spring semester D class assignments are available in the Animation and Digital Arts Office in SCB210D; phone (213) 740-3986. Your D clearance will only be effective until its expiration date and all elective courses will change from 'D' to 'R' after the end of early registration. For summer classes, contact the Summer Program Office in SCA250, phone (213) 740-3327. YOU MUST ATTEND THE FIRST SESSION of each course or you may be replaced by a student on the waiting list, even if you are registered. Fall and spring semester D class assignments are available in the Animation and Digital Arts Office in SCB210D; phone (213) 740-3986. Your D clearance will only be effective until its expiration date and all elective courses will change from 'D' to 'R' after the end of early registration. For summer classes, contact the Summer Program Office in SCA250, phone (213) 740-3327. YOU MUST ATTEND THE FIRST SESSION of each course or you may be replaced by a student on the waiting list, even if you are registered.

CTAN 102L: Introduction to the Art of Movement (2.0 units)

Theory and practice of animation with a focus on movement, gesture, timing and performance. Open to freshman in Animation and Digital Arts majors only.

Prerequisite: CTAN 101
Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Animation and Digital Arts
Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Freshmen

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17956D	001	Lecture-Lab	7:00-9:50pm	Thursday	15 of 16	Eric Goldberg,	SCB205
			7:00-8:50pm	Tuesday		Dariush Derakhshani	SCB102

CTAN 200g: The Rise of Digital Hollywood (4.0 units)

An overview of the evolution of computer graphics in modern media.

General Education: This course satisfies the university's general education requirement.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17960R	001	Lecture	12:00-3:50pm	Thursday	67 of 68	Tom Sito	SCI108	Word (47794 KB)

CTAN 202L: Introduction to 3-D Character Animation (3.0 units)

3-D animation performance utilizing pre-set rigs and virtual characters. Emphasis on timing, gesture, and performance. Prerequisite: CTAN 201. Open only to sophomores in Animation and Digital Arts.

Prerequisite: CTAN 201
Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Animation and Digital Arts
Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Sophomore

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17957D	001	Lecture-Lab	8:00-9:50pm	Thursday	20 of 20	Jason Reisig,	SCB102
			4:00-6:50pm	Friday		Dariush Derakhshani	SCB102

CTAN 305: Professionalism of Animation (2.0 units)

Understanding the business of the animation industry. Developing presentation skills for interviewing and pitching, preparing personal marketing tools, researching employment opportunities, and practicing networking techniques.

Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Animation and Digital Arts

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17857D	001	Lecture	4:00-5:50pm	Wednesday	14 of 14	Teresa Cheng	SCB207

CTAN 336: Ideation and Pre-Production (2.0 units)

Emphasis on lateral thinking working across boundaries to find underlying principles in terms of ideation: the act of becoming an agent of ideas.

Prerequisite: CTAN 301
Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Junior
Restriction: Registration open to the following school(s): School of Cinematic Arts

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17855D	001	Lecture-Lab	2:00-4:50pm	Thursday	14 of 14	Christine Panushka,	SCB207
			6:30-9:20pm	Monday		Josh Staub, Nicole West	RZC117

CTAN 401b: Senior Project (4.0 units)

b: Completion and exhibition of the short animated film to demonstrate understanding and further examination of the possibilities of animation time based graphic media. Open to senior animation majors only.

Prerequisite: CTAN 401a
Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Senior
Restriction: Registration open to the following school(s): School of Cinematic Arts

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17853D	001	Lecture-Lab	1:00-3:50pm	Wednesday	17 of 17	Trixy Wattenbarger	SCB205

CTAN 420: Concept Design for Animation (2.0 units)

Creating characters and environments for animation, live action, and video games.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17917R	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Thursday	16 of 16	John Mahoney	SCB207	PDF (131344 KB)

CTAN 432: The World of Visual Effects (2.0 units)

Introduction to the expanding field of visual effects; topics include integration for cinematic storytelling and the study of digital productions employing the latest visual effects.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17856R	001	Lecture	4:30-7:20pm	Thursday	48 of 48	Craig Barron	SCB104	PDF (85395 KB)

CTAN 436: Writing for Animation (2.0 units)

Workshop exploring concept and structure of long and short form animated films through practical writing exercises.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17865R	001	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Monday	16 of 16	Elizabeth Brauer	SCB304

CTAN 443L: Character Development for 3-D Animation and Games (2.0 units)

Development, modeling, and animation with an emphasis on character setup features: rigging, skeletons, deformers, and scripting. Applying principles of traditional animation to 3-D character rig/puppet.

Prerequisite: CTAN 452

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17863R	001	Lecture-Lab	4:00-6:50pm	Tuesday	15 of 15	Scott Easley	SCIL113	PDF (355524 KB)

CTAN 448: Introduction to Film Graphics - Animation (4.0 units)

An introduction to methods for creating analog animation through experimentation with imagery, concepts and materials. Emphasis on basic timing principles and hands-on techniques.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17868R	001	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Friday	15 of 15	Elisabeth Mann	SCB205

CTAN 450a: Animation Theory and Techniques (2.0 units)

Methods for creating animation blending traditional techniques with contemporary technologies.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17874R	001	Lecture-Lab	1:00-3:50pm	Tuesday	10 of 15	Trixy Wattenbarger	SCB102	PDF (1436589 MB)
			9:00-11:50am	Friday			SCB102

CTAN 450c: Animation Theory and Techniques (2.0 units)

Practical completion of a short animated film.

Prerequisite: CTAN 450b

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17887D	001	Lecture-Lab	4:00-5:50pm	Wednesday	7 of 13	Everett Lewis	RZC117
			9:00-11:50am	Friday			SCB102

CTAN 452: Introduction to 3-D Computer Animation (2.0 units, max 4)

Lecture and laboratory in computer animation: geometric modeling, motion specification, lighting, texture mapping, rendering, compositing, production techniques, systems for computer-synthesized animation.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus
17893R	001	Lecture-Lab	9:00-11:50am	Tuesday	13 of 15	Domin Lee	SCA356	PDF (321608 KB)
			7:00-9:50pm	Friday			SCB102
17894R	001	Lecture-Lab	4:00-6:50pm	Monday	13 of 15	Marcel Valcarce	SCB102
			9:00-11:50am	Friday			RZC117
17895R	001	Lecture-Lab	7:00-9:50pm	Wednesday	13 of 15	Fredrik Nilsson	SCB102	PDF (297661 KB)
			9:00-11:50am	Friday			RZC117

CTAN 460: Character Design Workshop (2.0 units)

The basics of character design for animation: anatomy, poses, facial expressions, silhouettes, and anthropomorphism. Development of a portfolio.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17909R	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	16 of 16	Caroline Hu	SCB207

CTAN 462: Visual Effects (2.0 units)

Survey of contemporary concepts and approaches to production in the current state of film and video effects work. Digital and traditional methodologies will be covered, with a concentration on digital exercises illustrating modern techniques.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location
17898R	001	Lecture-Lab	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	13 of 16	Maurice Bastian	SCB102
			1:00-3:50pm	Friday			RZC117
17900R	001	Lecture-Lab	7:00-9:50pm	Friday	9 of 16	Maurice Bastian	RZC117
			1:00-3:50pm	Thursday			SCB102

CTAN 465L: Digital Effects Animation (2.0 units)

All aspects of digital effects animation, including particles, dynamics, and fluids. Creating water, fire, explosions, and destruction in film.

Prerequisite: 1 from (CTAN 452 or CTAN 462)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17912R	001	Lecture-Lab	7:00-9:50pm	Friday	Canceled
			1:00-3:50pm	Thursday

CTAN 470: Documentary Animation Production (2.0 units)

Examination of the history, techniques, and methods of documentary animation production. Collaboration on a short film project.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17911R	001	Lecture	10:00-12:50pm	Thursday	15 of 16	Sheila Sofian	SCB205

CTAN 495: Visual Music (2.0 units)

Experimental animation providing the opportunity to produce individual or group projects. Focus is non-conventional techniques for image creation and collaboration between composer and visual artist. Not open to freshmen and sophomores.

Restriction: Registration closed to the following class level(s): Freshmen, Sophomore

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17906D	001	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Friday	15 of 15	Michael Patterson	SCB102

CTAN 496: Directed Studies (2.0 units, max 4)

Individual research under faculty guidance.

Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Animation and Digital Arts

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17908D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	7 of 15	Teresa Cheng	OFFICE

CTAN 497L: Generative Animation (2.0 units)

Introduction to software packages and practices exploring current animation techniques that leverage simulation systems. Artificial intelligence as a tool for animation. Prerequisite: CTAN 452.

Prerequisite: CTAN 452

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17921R	001	Lecture-Lab	4:00-6:50pm	Tuesday	14 of 14	Jordan Halsey	RZC117
			9:00-11:50am	Monday			RZC117

CTAN 499: Special Topics (2.0-4.0 units, max 8)

Detailed investigation of new or emerging aspects of cinema and/or television; special subjects offered by visiting faculty; experimental subjects.

Section	Session	Units	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
Design Foundation for Animation II
17992R	001	2.0	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	14 of 15	Mark Kulakoff	SCAB134

CTAN 502L: Experiments in Immersive Design (2.0 units)

An in-depth exploration of aesthetics and techniques involved in the conceptualization, design and creation of virtual reality and stereoscopic imaging.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17961R	037	Lecture-Lab	9:00-11:50am	Tue, Thu	7 of 16	Eric Hanson	RZC117	PDF (181522 KB)

CTAN 503: Storyboarding for Animation (2.0 units)

Focus on film grammar, perspective, and layout, staging and acting as it relates to storyboarding for animation.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17920R	037	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Monday	10 of 16	Tom Sito	SCB205

CTAN 504L: Creative Production in Virtual Reality (2.0 units)

A creative studio course in producing both a linear cinematic virtual reality short film and associated real-time immersive experience.

Prerequisite: CTAN 502

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17990R	037	Lecture-Lab	9:00-11:50am	Wednesday	7 of 15	Eric Hanson	RZC117	PDF (186052 KB)
			4:00-6:50pm	Thursday			RZC117

CTAN 505: The Business of Animation (2.0 units)

Professional knowledge and application of fundamental business skills associated with working in the animation industry, academia or the arts.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17924D	037	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Monday	14 of 15	Richard Goldsmith	SCB205	PDF (246252 KB)

CTAN 508L: Live Action Integration with Visual Effects (2.0 units)

Survey of the digital techniques required to successfully marry live action shooting with CGI elements and green screen footage.

Prerequisite: CTAN 462

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17925R	037	Lecture-Lab	7:00-9:50pm	Thursday	11 of 15	Robert Nederhorst	RZC117
			12:00-2:50pm	Wednesday			RZC117

CTAN 522: Animation Department Seminar (1.0 units, max 6)

A weekly seminar required of all MFA Animation students. This course includes guest speakers, faculty and student presentations followed by lively and critical discussion. Graded CR/NC.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17928D	037	Lecture	7:00-8:50pm	Wednesday	27 of 48	Sheila Sofian	SCB104

CTAN 524: Contemporary Topics in Animation and Digital Arts (2.0 units)

Topics exploring the evolution of the brain, development of art, technology, science and culture. How this correlates to the evolution of animation-digital media.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17930R	037	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Monday	Canceled
			9:00-11:50am	Monday

CTAN 536: Storytelling for Animation (2.0 units)

Storytelling workshop for animators; application of dramatic techniques to visual concepts to derive three-dimensional stories which can serve as bases for finished films. Open only to cinematic arts students. (Duplicates credit in CTAN 436.)

Restriction: Registration open to the following school(s): School of Cinematic Arts

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17862R	037	Lecture	10:00-12:50pm	Wednesday	12 of 15	Elizabeth Brauer	SCB304

CTAN 547: Animation Production I (3.0 units)

Practicum in film, video and computer animation emphasizing the production process through individual projects. Open only to Animation and Digital Arts master students.

Prerequisite: CTAN 544
Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Animation and Digital Arts
Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Master Student

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17946D	037	Lecture-Lab	10:00-12:50pm	Tuesday	15 of 15	Michael Patterson,	SCB102
			6:00-8:50pm	Friday		Karl Gnass	SCB202

CTAN 550: Stop Motion Puppet and Set Design (2.0 units)

Puppet and set design for stop motion animation while providing guidance on armature rigs that allow the character to be animated effectively.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17949R	037	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Tuesday	14 of 16	Musa Brooker	SCB207

CTAN 564L: Motion Capture Fundamentals (2.0 units)

Fundamental principles of motion capture technology explored while working through a structured series of assignments based around performance, gesture and motion.

Prerequisite: 1 from (CTAN 452 or CTAN 462)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17997R	037	Lecture-Lab	7:00-9:50pm	Tuesday	16 of 16	John Brennan	RZC117
			4:00-6:50pm	Friday			RZC117

CTAN 577b: Fundamentals of Animation (2.0 units)

The exploration of the techniques of the art of character animation with an emphasis on discipline, performance and personality observation, specializing in classical Hollywood animation. Open only to Animation and Digital Arts master students.

Prerequisite: CTAN 577a
Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Animation and Digital Arts
Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Master Student

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17958D	037	Lecture-Lab	1:00-3:50pm	Wednesday	15 of 15	Jason Reisig	SCB102
			1:00-3:50pm	Friday			SCIL113

CTAN 591: Animation Pre-Thesis Seminar (2.0 units)

A pre-production seminar, where students complete the research, development, script and storyboards for their thesis projects to be executed in CTAN 594ab. Open to M.F.A. Animation students only.

Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Animation and Digital Arts

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17970D	037	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Tuesday	14 of 15	Christine Panushka	SCB205

CTAN 592: Master Class (2.0-6.0 units, max 12)

A special projects course in which students produce a major work through weekly meetings with a master artist/animator. Topics must be approved prior to enrollment. Recommended preparation: Previous advanced animation production experience. Recommended preparation: Previous advanced animation production experience.

Section	Session	Units	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17976R	037	2.0	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Friday	9 of 16	Peter Chung	SCB207

CTAN 593: Directed Studies in Animation (2.0 units, max 4)

Individual exploration in the areas of contemporary technology, animation techniques or experimental film through internships, residencies or directed studies. Open only to Animation and Digital Arts master students.

Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Animation and Digital Arts
Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Master Student

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17982D	037	Lecture	TBA	TBA	11 of 18	Teresa Cheng	OFFICE

CTAN 594b: Master's Thesis (2.0 units)

Credit on acceptance of Thesis. Graded CR/NC.

Prerequisite: CTAN 594a

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17988D	037	Lecture-Lab	10:00-11:50am	Wednesday	16 of 16	Kathy Smith,Christine Panushka,Sheila Sofian,Elisabeth Mann, Trixy Wattenbarger, Michael Patterson, Eric Hanson,Jason Reisig, Tom Sito	SCB205

CTAN 599: Special Topics (2.0-4.0 units, max 8)

Detailed investigation of new or emerging aspects of cinema; special subjects offered by visiting faculty; experimental subjects.

Section	Session	Units	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
Cinematic and Media-Based Installations
17993R	037	2.0	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Thursday	7 of 12	Elisabeth Mann	SCB205

Information accurate as of September 23, 2020 11:00 am.
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