Courses of Interest

The courses listed in this section have been chosen by the designated departments as having special interest for students who are not majoring in that particular subject but who might find courses in that discipline both enjoyable and beneficial. For more information, contact the department directly.

School of Cinematic Arts

ANIMATION

CTAN 200g The Rise of Digital Hollywood (4 units)

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

CTAN 330 Animation Fundamentals (2 units)

Description: An introduction to the fundamentals of animation, covering such topics as timing, anticipation, reaction, overlapping action, and metamorphosis.

CTAN 420 Concept Design for Animation (2 units)

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

CTAN 432 The World of Visual Effects (2 units)

Description: 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.

CTAN 436 Writing for Animation (2 units)

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

CTAN 448 Introduction to Film Graphics – Animation (4 units)

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

CTAN 450a Animation Theory and Techniques (2 units)

Description: Methods for creating animation blending traditional techniques with contemporary technologies.

CTAN 452 Introduction to 3-D Computer Animation (2 units)

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

CTAN 460 Character Design Workshop (2 units)

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

CTAN 462 Visual Effects (2 units)

Description: 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.

CTAN 465L Digital Effects Animation (2 units)

Description: All aspects of digital effects animation, including particles, dynamics, and fluids. Creating water, fire, explosions, and destruction in film. Prerequisite: CTAN 452 or CTAN 462.

Includes an introduction to the rich procedural capabilities of Houdini, the standard application used in the industry for effects animation. The course will encompass a series of hands-on exercises, so a prior basic working knowledge of Maya or other 3-D application is essential.

CTAN 470 Documentary Animation Production (2 units)

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

CTAN 495 Visual Music (2 units)

Description: 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.

CTAN 497L Generative Animation (2 units)

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

CTAN 502L Experiments in Immersive Design (2 units)

Description: An in-depth exploration of aesthetics and techniques involved in the conceptualization, design and creation of immersive media and stereoscopic imaging. (Duplicates credit in former CTAN 502a.)

CTAN 503 Storyboarding for Animation (2 units)

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

CTAN 504L Creative Production in Virtual Reality (2 units)

Description: A creative studio course in producing both a linear cinematic virtual reality short film and associated real-time immersive experience. Prerequisite: CTAN 502

CTAN 508L Live Action Integration with Visual Effects (2 units)

Description: Survey of the digital techniques required to successfully marry live action shooting with CGI elements and green screen footage. Prerequisite: CTAN 462

CTAN 524 Contemporary Topics in Animation and Digital Arts (2 units)

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

CTAN 550 Stop Motion Puppet and Set Design (2 units)

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

CTAN 564L Motion Capture Fundamentals (2 units)

Description: Fundamental principles of motion capture technology explored while working through a structured series of assignments based around performance, gesture and motion. Prerequisite: CTAN 452 or CTAN 462

CTAN 570 Motion Graphic Design (3 units)

Description: Creating well-designed motion graphic animation work through effective visual communication, design strategies and software skill learning in a professional context.
Recommended Preparation: Experience using Adobe After Effects, Photoshop and Illustrator software. Some experience with Maya or Cinema 4D 3-D animation software.

CINEMATIC ARTS

CNTV 522 The Television Industry: Networks, Cable and the Internet (4 units)

Description: The current state of the television industry and future business paradigms.
This course will cover a comprehensive look into the television industry, including the conception, development, and selling of an idea, as well as how networks, cable companies, internet, and mobile platforms operate. NOTE: this course will be held at CAA, 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067.
Professor: Tony Etz

CNTV 524 Digital Technologies and the Entertainment Industry (4 units)

Description: The impact of digital technologies on the film, television, and music industries from content creation to distribution. This class will explain the impact that various “disruptive” technologies from digital cinema to mobile technology to video games to RSS feeds are having (or are about to have) on the entire media value chain. The focus will be on content creation to distribution in the film, television, and music industries.
Professors: Paul Bricault, David Baron

CNTV 562 Seminar in Motion Picture Business (4 units)

Description: Problems of studio operation, production, distribution, exhibition or legal procedures relating to the motion picture.
The theatrical motion picture and television businesses from the studio’s perspective, with an emphasis on feature films. Guest speakers will discuss creative development, production, post-production, marketing, distribution, business affairs, deal analysis, film finance, tax-based incentive deals, etc.
Professor: Robert M. Osher

CNTV 563 The Business of Representation (4 units)

Description: Various roles an agent, manager, attorney and publicist play in representing talent, producers and writers. Taught by professionals who are at the forefront of the entertainment industry.
Professor: Daniel A. Sussman

CINEMA AND MEDIA STUDIES

CTCS 190g Introduction to Cinema (4 units)

Description: Gateway to majors and minors in cinema-television. Technique, aesthetics, criticism, and social implications of cinema. Lectures accompanied by screenings of appropriate films.
Professor: Drew Casper

CTCS 191 Introduction to Television and Video (4 units)

Description: Exploration of the economic, technological, aesthetic, and ideological characteristics of the televisual medium; study of historical development of television and video including analysis of key works; introduction to TV/Video theory and criticism.

CTCS 192gm Race, Class, and Gender in American Film (4 units)

Description: Analyzes issues of race, class and gender in contemporary American culture as represented in the cinema.

One of the most popular classes offered at USC, this course focuses on the relationship between film and American society in order to address issues of race, class, and gender in contemporary Hollywood cinema. This course satisfies the university’s diversity requirement and new GE Arts requirement.
Professor: Todd E. Boyd

CTCS 464 Film and/or Television Genres (4 units)

Description: Rigorous examination of film genres: history, aesthetics, cultural context, social significance, and critical methodologies.

CTCS 469 Film and/or Television Style Analysis (4 units)

Description: Intensive study of the style of an auteur, studio, film or television making mode in terms of thematic and formal properties and their influences upon the art of film.

INTERACTIVE MEDIA

CTIN 191 Survey of Themed Entertainment (4 units)

Description: Introduction to the field of themed entertainment and education design, covering its history, and, especially, current practice.

Taught by Joe Garlington, former VP of Disney Imagineering, this is the gateway course for the Themed Entertainment minor, and the prerequisite for CTIN 452, Themed Entertainment Design.

CTIN 420 Tabletop Roleplaying Games (2 units)

Description: An overview of tabletop roleplaying games and the design space around roleplaying.

Tabletop roleplaying is having an amazing moment in our current culture; join Sam Roberts in an exploration of the form, lensing in specifically on the origins and evolution of Dungeons & Dragons. This course is project-oriented, with students expected to both build and play tabletop roleplaying games.

CTIN 488 Game Design Workshop (4 units)

Description: An introduction to making games. Students will explore the principles of game design through the entirely analog creation of card, board and tabletop games.

In this project-driven course, students learn the entire interactive design process through the lens of board games they have crafted themselves. Called “the most intense arts and crafts class at USC,” students will exit with a professionally printed product. CTIN 488 is the prerequisite for all advanced design classes.

CTIN 497 Interactive Media Startup (1 units)

Description: Pitching, production planning, forming a company and seeking funding for your creative media idea. Duplicates credit in former CTIN 497ab.

This course explores the legal and logistical necessities of starting a small media business. Taught by Mike Fisher, former CEO of Square-Enix America, this course is specifically geared toward students who will be graduating with the plan of starting that company, built around a project created while in school.

CTIN 499 Special Topics (2, 3, 4 units)

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

Section 18412, Tabletop Game Mechanics. An in-depth and rigorous exploration of our current board game climate. Students will play board games of all different varieties, exploring the design choices and aesthetics that make each unique and exciting. A complementary class to CTIN 488.

CTIN 599 Special Topics (2, 3, 4 units)

Description: Detailed investigation of new or emerging aspects of interactive media; special subjects offered by visiting faculty; experimental subjects.

Section 18416, Labor and Materiality in Interactive Media. An exploration of how videogames, social media, and other forms of interactive media interact with the human, industrial, and ideological contexts that enclose and produce them, and that they co-produce. IML and CAMS students are highly encouraged to enroll.

MEDIA ARTS AND PRACTICE

IML 104 Introduction to Digital Studies (2 units)

Description: An introduction to the expressive range of screen languages in their cultural, historical, and technological contexts.
Introduction to media, art and technology in the context of various academic and professional disciplines. Students will study the history and theory of digital media and also gain hands-on media authoring skills. Counts as a requirement for the minor in Digital Studies and Honors in Multimedia Scholarship.

IML 140 Workshop in Multimedia Authoring (2 units)

Description: Introduction to the expressive potential of multimedia as a critical and creative tool, supplementing traditional forms of academic work. Introduction to image, video, audio and web authoring in a variety of different topic areas such as storytelling, remix, mindfulness, and marketing. This course counts as a requirement for the minor in Digital Studies and the Honors in Multimedia Scholarship program.

IML 201 The Languages of Digital Media (4 units)

Description: An in-depth investigation of the close interrelationships among technology, culture and communication to form a solid foundation for digital authoring. Duplicates credit in former IML 101.
Students will produce a series of media projects that explore and strengthen their personal voice and critical consciousness. This course counts as a requirement for the minor in Digital Studies and the Honors in Multimedia Scholarship program.

IML 295Lm Race, Class and Gender in Digital Culture (4 units)

Description: Critical analysis of the categories of race, class and gender within the diverse digital spaces of contemporary culture, from video games to the digital divide.
Students will produce media projects that analyze their own attitudes about diversity and inclusion and argue that living in a diverse society can function as a form of social and cultural enrichment. This course counts as a requirement for the minor in Media and Social Change.

IML 309 Integrative Design for Mobile Devices (4 units)

Description: Hands-on investigation of opportunities and challenges offered by mobile interaction within both cultural and ideological contexts.
Students will explore tablets, phones, and mobile-responsive websites while also learning about
user experience and user interface design. This course counts as an elective for the Digital Studies and Future Cinema minors, and for the Honors in Multimedia Scholarship program.

IML 365 Future Cinema (4 units)

Description: Examination of the history of cinematic experimentation to provide a framework for understanding contemporary virtual reality, augmented reality, interactive installations and large-scale urban screens.
This course counts as an elective for the Digital Studies and Future Cinema minors, and for the Honors in Multimedia Scholarship program.

IML 385 Design Fiction and Speculative Futures (4 units)

Description: The history, theory and methods of design fiction, focusing on design videos and physical prototypes as tools for exploring contemporary social, political and ethical life. Students will engage in collaboration, video capture, video editing, basic sound design, 3-D printing, and object design. This course counts as an elective for the Digital Studies, Future Cinema and Media and Social Change minors, and for the Honors in Multimedia Scholarship program.

IML 419 Emotion in Digital Culture (4 units)

Description: Project-based course examining emotion in relation to technology, digital culture and the human experience.
Students will also explore tracking emotional well-being with apps, wearables, and other emerging technologies to experience developments in body-borne computing. This course counts as an elective for the Digital Studies and Media and Social Change minors, and for the Honors in Multimedia Scholarship program.

IML 456 Nature, Design and Media (2 units)

Description: Investigation of the impact of natural patterns on digital media design. Explores the relationships among chaos, harmony, beauty, proportion, spirituality, holistic systems and shaped experience. This course counts as an elective for the Digital Studies and Future Cinema minors and Honors in Multimedia Scholarship program.

IML 477 Embodied Storytelling and Immersive Docu-Narratives (4 units)

Description: Examination of art, media, and theatre, to create an immersive, installation-based intervention utilizing the embodied 360-degree docu-narrative form.
This course counts as an elective for the Digital Studies, Future Cinema and Media and Social Change minors, and for the Honors in Multimedia Scholarship program.

PRODUCTION

CTPR 288 Originating and Developing Ideas for Film (2 units)

Description: Exercises in observation, imaginative association, visualization, etc., that deepen the creative process, leading to ideas, stories, characters, and images for narrative, documentary, and experimental films.

CTPR 327 Motion Picture Cinematography (3 units)

Description: Use of high definition motion picture equipment to explore the fundamentals of shot design, movement and lighting. In class group projects.

The magic of creating images on film, from using cameras, lenses, and filters to photographic processes and the role of cinematography in interpreting story. Hands-on projects put theory into practice.

CTPR 335 Motion Picture Editing (3 units)

Description: Theory, techniques, and practices in picture editing; use of standard editing equipment; individual projects.

CTPR 340 Creating the Motion Picture Sound Track (2 units)

Description: Techniques and aesthetics for recording production sound, editing dialogue, sound effects, music, Foley and preparing for the mix. For film, television, and other media.

CTPR 371 Directing for Television (4 units)

Description: Preparation of director’s preproduction blockout; study of direction for live, tape, and film production, for both dramatic and informational television.

Students will work in teams creating short scenes in various formats, including traditional episodic and situational comedy. The directorial role as production leader and visionary is emphasized.

CTPR 385 Colloquium: Motion Picture Production Techniques (4 units)

Description: Basic procedures and techniques applicable to production of all types of films; demonstration by production of a short film from conception to completion.

Includes writing of the script to planning, shooting, and editing.

CTPR 386 Art and Industry of the Theatrical Film (4 units)

Description: Detailed analysis of one theatrical film from conception through critical reception to develop an understanding of motion pictures as art, craft, and industry.

The course studies the anatomy of a film by examining a major current release with guest speakers involved in the making of a production. Films previously studied include The Avengers and The Sessions.

CTPR 409 Practicum in Television Production (2, 4 units)

Description: Television production: laboratory course covers operating cameras, creating graphics, technical operations, controlling audio and floor-managing live productions. Students plan and produce actual Trojan Vision programs.

CTPR 410 The Movie Business: From Story Concept to Exhibition (2 units)

Description: Examination of the industry from story ideas, through script development, production and exhibition; evaluation of roles played by writers, agents, studio executives, marketing and publicity.

Guest speakers and lectures discuss and cover the role of the writer, agent, studio executive, producer, director, as well as address the topics of marketing, publicity, and distribution.

CTPR 422 Makeup for Motion Pictures (2 units)

Description: Lecture-laboratory in makeup relating it to mood of the story and emulsion of the camera stock.

An introduction to the craft of makeup for film, TV, and other media. Students learn through lectures, demos, and hands-on workshops the different kinds of makeup styles and procedures, including the study of glamour, old age, gore, fantasy, and prosthetic techniques.

CTPR 423 Introduction to Special Effects in Cinema (2 units)

Description: Introductory workshop in the aesthetics and practices of special effects, embracing both the classical and contemporary modes.

The class focuses on techniques, cost, and operational characteristics. For aspiring production managers, directors, and camera and effects specialists. Conducted in a workshop environment where students experience the complexities involved with techniques in use industry-wide.

CTPR 425 Production Planning (2 units)

Description: Theory, discussion, and practical application of production planning during preproduction and production of a film.

CTPR 426 The Production Experience (2 units)

Description: To provide students with basic working knowledge of both the skills of the motion picture set and production operations through classroom lectures and hands-on experience.

Students learn the fundamentals of episodic TV drama and participate in the shooting of an episode written and directed by students. Positions available in producing, camera, sound, production design, or editorial.

CTPR 431 Developing the Documentary Production (2 units)

Description: The tools and skills necessary to turn an idea into a documentary story, using sample reels, pitches, and writing to develop a professional proposal.

Course is designed to teach students the knowledge, skills, insight and judgment needed to research, develop and create pitch materials for a documentary production.

CTPR 454 Acting for Film and Television (4 units)

Description: Intensive examination of skills and techniques necessary for successful performances in film and television. Practical application through in-class exercises and assigned projects.

CTPR 456 Introduction to Art Direction (2 units)

Description: Introduction to drafting, set design, set decoration and creating models for students with diverse abilities. Guest lectures, group discussions and hands-on workshop.

CTPR 458 Organizing Creativity: Entertainment Industry Decision Making (2 units)

Description: Analysis of the unique structures in the entertainment industry for organizing and managing creativity. Students research and chart pathways to leadership. Open only to juniors, seniors, and graduate students.

Students will learn how to face challenges and opportunities as they launch their careers in the entertainment industry. The class examines the industry’s ever-evolving creative and business
structures through lectures and dialogue with expert guest speakers.

CTPR 460 Film Business Procedures and Distribution (2, 4 units)

Description: Financing, budgeting, management as applied to films; problems of distribution, including merchandising, cataloging, evaluation, and film library management.

Students are introduced to film economics, as it relates to production, distribution, and exhibition.

CTPR 461 Managing Television Stations and Internet Media (2 units)

Description: Managing electronic media, including radio and television stations, broadcast and cable networks, and the internet.

Executives from all areas of the TV industry address class each week to provide first-hand information about a wide range or areas, including news production,
sales, marketing, and syndication.

CTPR 470 Practicum in On-Screen Direction of Actors (2 units)

Description: Concentration on the basic skills in working with actors from a director’s point of view.

Students learn to experiment and discuss the many choices in directing actors, including laboratory and scene analysis. The course also breaks down a script from the emotional point-of-view of the actor.

CTPR 474 Documentary Production (2 units)

Description: Pairs produce, direct, shoot, and edit a short documentary on a subject of their choice. Finished projects will be suitable for broadcast/festivals.

Students are encouraged to form pairs before class; individual students form partnerships at the beginning of the term. Students must come prepared with two to three documentary ideas.
Finished films will be approximately fifteen minutes in length.

WRITING

CTWR 411 Television Script Analysis (2 units)

Description: In-depth analysis of the craft of writing prime-time episodic television. Examination of situation comedies and dramas through weekly screenings and lectures.

CTWR 412 Introduction to Screenwriting (2 units)

Description: Introduction to the formal elements of writing the short film.

Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism

COMMUNICATION

COMM 312 SThe Business and Culture of Celebrity (4 units)

Description: Employs the concept of “celebrity” as an optic through which to view and assess some of the key aspects of the communication revolution.

COMM 355 Advertising and Communication (4 units)

Description:Advertising as a mode of communication; US advertising history and institutions; economic and policy contexts (domestic and global); critical analysis of advertising texts.

COMM 381 Issues in Contemporary Sport (4 units)

Description: Explores social, political and ethical issues in elite sports and how issues are addressed through popular media; examination includes the relationship between sports and politics.

COMM 384 Interpreting Popular Culture (4 units)

Description: Popular culture as an indicator of cultural values, a producer and reflection of cultural meaning, and a means of communication; theory and case studies.

COMM 396g Fashion, Media and Culture (4 units)

Description: Fashion as a form of communication and culture; fashion’s role in identity, body politics, art, nationhood, celebrity and Hollywood culture, youth cultures and subversive practices.

COMM 400 Seminar in Communication (4 units)

Description: Advanced readings in communication theory and research (broadly defined); specialized interest areas of individual faculty on the frontiers of knowledge; seminar topics change each semester.

COMM 421 Legal Communication (4 units)

Description: How lawyers and judges communicate in the courtroom; how legal issues are discussed by lay people; how lawyers and judges are viewed in popular culture.

COMM 457 Youth and Media (4 units)

Description: Exploration of youth media and culture, including television, movies, video games, toys, magazines, music, social media. Examines representations of youth and youth as audience.

COMM 457 Youth and Media (4 units)

Description: Exploration of youth media and culture, including television, movies, video games, toys, magazines, music, social media. Examines representations of youth and youth as audience.

COMM 480 Nonverbal Communication (4 units)

Description: Theory and research; examination of the influence of environmental factors, physical behavior, and vocal cues on human behavior.

COMM 498 Ethical Issues in Entertainment and Communication (4 units)

Description: Examines social and political controversies over conflicting ethical standards for communication in a variety of media: mass-media, communication technology, and entertainment.
Prerequisite: COMM 310.

JOURNALISM

JOUR 200w The Power and Responsibility of the Press (4 units)

Description: Explores the role of journalism and social media in society – its influence on government, technology, business, national security, sports, science and entertainment.

JOUR 201 Culture of Journalism: Past, Present and Future (4 units)

Description: Understanding key moments, debates and ideas that have shaped journalism in the United States from the Revolutionary War period through today. Examination of the social, cultural, political and technological aspects of journalism and its impact on the profession and public service.

JOUR 350 Introduction to Sports Media (4 units)

Description: Highlight norms, routines of content, including print, broadcast, video. Focus on opportunities, constraints posed by roles of reporters, fans, players, publicists, agents, leagues, teams.

JOUR 499 Special Topics (2, 3, 4 units)

Description: Selected topics in journalism.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

PR 452 Public Relations in Entertainment (4 units)

Description: Public relations in the design, promotion, and presentation of popular entertainment, including films, broadcasting, music, expositions, amusement parks, resorts and arenas.

Course is designed to teach students the knowledge, skills, insight and judgment needed to research, develop and create pitch materials for a documentary production.

Gould School of Law

LAW 101w Law and the U.S. Constitution in Global History (4 units)

Description: By examining key constitutional moments involving race, rights, and revolutions, students will explore how legal meaning changes over time.

Learn how taking a stand for a powerful idea can make an impact! This course will explore how committed advocates have transformed U.S. constitutional law.
Professor: Sam Erman

LAW 201 Law and Politics (4 units)

Description: Examination of the rules and realities of American politics, and the role politics plays in American life and culture.

LAW 210 Fundamentals of the U.S Legal System (4 units)

Description: Introduces the U.S. legal system and its relationship to basic principles of the rule of law. Examines the criminal and the civil law systems, focusing on Supreme Court decisions involving the separation of powers, federalism and contemporary legal issues.

How is law used to govern society? Examine the basic principles of private law and public law, and the basic methods that the legal system employs to resolve disputes.

LAW 250w Children and Law (4 units)

Description: Examines topics such as children’s suggestibility, decision-making, and risk and resiliency all as they apply to legal settings.

What legally defines a child in the eyes of the law? Explore legal issues and implications surrounding children – essential to domestic, international, family, psychological and education-based decisions.
Professor: Hayden Henderson

LAW 275p The Origin and Evolution of American Civil Rights Law(4 units)

Description: Traces the development of U.S. constitutional and statutory mechanisms designed to fulfill the promise of equality under the law.

For over 150 years, American civil rights laws have aimed to make all persons equal under the law, but what does legal equality mean and how can it be achieved? Explore this history and address important questions that continue to vex civil rights enforcement.

LAW 300 Concepts in American Law (4 units)

Description: The main concepts and topics in American law, in the historical, economic and cultural contexts in which they have developed.

Discover how U.S. laws were shaped by the human condition, all while learning from the lawyers and judges responsible for landmark legal decisions in American law.

LAW 350 Law and Entrepreneurship (4 units)

Description: Examines areas of the law that impact entrepreneurs, starting, operating and financing businesses. Topics include: selection of business entities; securities laws and issues that arise in fundraising; employment law; contracts; torts; intellectual property; global expansion; mergers and acquisitions; and IPOs.

Planning to work for a startup or to start your own business? Learn the legal information you need to know – from formation to fundraising, intellectual property laws to IPOs – to be an entrepreneur.
Professor: Michael Chasalow

LAW 403 Mental Health Law (4 units)

Description: Issues at the intersection of law and psychology, both civil — e.g., civil commitment — and criminal — e.g., the insanity defense. Emphasis on ethical issues.

From civil issues to criminal defenses, where do ethics come into play regarding mental health in the courtroom?

LAW 450 Global Justice for Mass Atrocities and Genocide (4 units)

Description: Learn about international law and courts trying these cases, while also reflecting on whether criminal trials are the best response to bringing healing and reconciliation to affected societies.

How does the international community establish laws against genocide? Explore the development of international laws that protect human rights.
Professor: Hannah Garry

Thornton School of Music

COMPOSITION

MUCO 101x Fundamentals of Music Theory (2 units)

Description: An introductory course in music theory required for those majors in need of remedial training, and available to the general student who wishes to develop music writing skills. Not available for credit to B.M. and B.A. music majors. Recommended preparation: ability to read music.
Professor: Nicolas Benavides

JAZZ STUDIES

MUJZ 150 Beginning Jazz Improvisation (2 units)

Description: Development of beginning improvisational skills including underlying principles of theory, harmony, jazz ear training, and jazz style.
Professor: John Thomas

MUJZ 218a Afro-Latin Percussion Instruments (2 units)

Description: Instruction in the performance of percussion instruments associated with African, South American, and Caribbean music traditions, with special emphasis on adaptation to jazz music.
Professor: Aaron R. Serfaty

MUJZ 218b Afro-Latin Percussion Instruments (2 units)

MUJZ 450 Intermediate Jazz Improvisation (2 units)

Description: Development of intermediate improvisational skills including underlying principles of theory, harmony, jazz ear training, and jazz style. Recommended preparation: MUJZ 150.
Professor: John Thomas

MUSIC ENSEMBLE

MUEN 222 Trojan Marching Band (1 unit)

Description: Rehearsal and participation in performances for athletic and other university functions. Open to all students by audition. Graded CR/NC.
Professor: Jacob Vogel

MUEN 305 Vocal Jazz Ensemble (1 unit)

Description: Study and performance of vocal ensemble literature from the Jazz idiom, with emphasis on improvisational techniques. Open to all students by audition. Graded CR/NC.
Professor: Sara Anne Gazarek

MUEN 307 University Chorus (1 unit)

Description: Rehearsal and performance of choral literature from all periods of music history. Open to all students. Graded CR/NC.
Professor: Hee Seong Lee

MUEN 308 USC Apollo Chorus (1 unit)

Description: The USC Apollo Chorus, a choir open to all students, faculty, and staff of any gender, performs tenor/bass repertoire.
Professor: Yen-Hsiang Nieh

MUEN 311 USC Oriana Choir (1 unit)

Description: The USC Oriana Choir, a choir open to all students, faculty, and staff of any gender, performs treble repertoire.
Professor: Yu Hang Tan

MUEN 322 Trojan Marching Band (1 unit)

Description: Continuation of MUEN 222. Graded CR/NC.
PRofessor: Jacob Vogel

MUEN 324 University Band (1 units)

Description: Rehearsal and performance of standard repertoire. Open to all students by audition. Graded CR/NC.
Professor: Arthur C. Bartner

MUEN 505 Vocal Jazz Ensemble (1 unit)

Description: Study and performance of vocal ensemble literature from the Jazz idiom, with emphasis on improvisational techniques. Open to all graduate students by audition. (Duplicates credit in MUEN 405.)
Professor: Sara Anne Gazarek

MUEN 507 University Chorus (1 unit)

Description: Rehearsal and performance of choral literature from all periods of music history. Open to all graduate students.
Professor: Hee Seong Lee

MUEN 508 USC Apollo Chorus (1 unit)

Description: The USC Apollo Chorus, a choir open to all students, faculty, and staff of any gender, performs tenor/bass repertoire.
Professor: Yen-Hsiang Nieh

MUEN 511 USC Oriana Choir (1 unit)

Description: The USC Oriana Choir, a choir open to all students, faculty, and staff of any gender, performs treble repertoire.
Professor: Yu Hang Tan

MUSIC INDUSTRY

MUIN 272x Basics of the Music Industry (4 units)

Description: Introductory survey of the music business. Topics include: copyright, record companies, contracts, music publishing, performance rights societies, managers, agents, and other artist team/income considerations. Not for major credit for music industry majors. (Duplicates credit in former MUIN 372ax.)
Professor: Michael K. Garcia

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

MTEC 277x Introduction to Music Technology (1 unit)

Description: A survey of the technology used to create, prepare, perform, and distribute music, with an emphasis on recording, MIDI, music production, mastering and Internet technologies. Not available for major credit to B.M. and B.S., Music Industry majors. (Duplicates credit in former MUIN 277.)
Professors: Charles G. Gutierrez

PERFORMANCE (GUITAR)

MPGU 120a Beginning Pop/Rock Guitar (2 units)

Description: Introduction to the performance technique of pop/rock guitar as well as music theory fundamentals, exploring repertoire by artists such as The Beatles and Dave Matthews.
Professor: Nick Stoubis

MPGU 120b Beginning Pop/Rock Guitar (2 units)

MPGU 121 Intensive Beginning Pop/Rock Guitar (4 units)

MPGU 125 Beginning Fingerstyle/Chord Guitar (2 units)

Description: Basic fingerstyle guitar, learned through the study of such pieces as “Greensleeves,” “Malaguena,” and “Minuet” (Bach); song accompaniment patterns and music notation for the beginner.
Professor: Scott Barry Tennant

MPGU 126 Easy Fingerstyle Beatles (2 units)

Description: Techniques of classical guitar applied to the study of five to eight Beatles songs, from “Hey Jude” to “Blackbird.” No guitar or music background required.
Professor: Scott Barry Tennant

PERFORMANCE (KEYBOARD STUDIES)

MPKS 150a Beginning Piano (2 units)

Description: Techniques of performance, note reading, and basic musicianship. Not open to music majors.
Professor: Stephen Pierce

MPKS 150b Beginning Piano (2 units)

Description: Techniques of performance, note reading, and basic musicianship. Not open to music majors. Prerequisite: MPKS 150a
Professor: Stephen Pierce

MPKS 150c Beginning Piano (2 units)

Description: Techniques of performance, note reading, and basic musicianship. Not open to music majors. Prerequisite: MPKS 150b or MUPF 150b
Professor: Stephen Pierce

PERFORMANCE (POPULAR MUSIC)

MPPM 120 Popular Music Performance I (2 units)

Description: Study of musical elements appropriate to the performance of popular music in a collaborative, interactive environment.
Professor: Timothy Kobza, Sean Holt, Andy Abad, Patrice Rushen

MPPM 240 Drumming Proficiency for the Popular Musician (2 units)

Description: Beginning and elementary instruction in drum set techniques.
Professor: Peter Erskine

MPPM 340 Intermediate Drum Set Proficiency (2 units)

Description: Intermediate level instruction in drum set performance including accompaniment techniques, fills, beat and brush patterns in jazz, Afro-Caribbean and Brazilian styles, interpreting drum charts. Recommended preparation: MPPM 240.
Professor: Aaron Serfaty, Peter Erskine

PERFORMANCE (STRINGS)

MPST 163 Class Harp (2 units, max 8)

Description: Basic instruction in the fundamentals of solo harp playing, note reading, and basic musicianship.
Professor: Joann Ruth Turovsky

PERFORMANCE (VOCAL ARTS)

MPVA 141 Class Voice (2 units, max 4)

Description: Introduction to the fundamental principles of singing: breath control, tone production, diction, and the use of appropriate song material.
Professor: Lynn Helding

MPVA 412 Musical Theatre Workshop II (3 units)

Description: Stylistic and technical features of dramatic and musical elements involved in performance of American musical and standard operetta repertory; staging of scenes.
Prerequisite: MPVA 402

SACRED MUSIC

MSCR 475 Introduction to Jewish Music (2 units)

Description: Development of Jewish music from biblical times to the present, with emphasis on liturgical practices, traditions of itinerant musicians and the adaptability of community song.
Professor: Nick Strimple

SCHOOL OF MUSIC

MUSC 102gw World Music (4 units)

Description: Exploration of music and cultures of the world. Engagement with international musicians, global issues, field work and musical diasporas in Los Angeles.
Professor: Scott Spencer

MUSC 115gp Western Music as Sounding History (4 units)

Description: An introduction to Western art music and culture from the Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Modern eras through reading, listening, analyzing and writing about music.
Professor: Rotem Gilbert

MUSC 200mgw The Broadway Musical: Reflections of American Diversity (4 units)

Description: A uniquely American genre, the Broadway musical serves as a catalyst for inquiry into human diversity, cross-culturalism, and significant social and political issues.
Professor:Parmer Fuller

MUSC 210g Electronic Music and Dance Culture (4 units)

Description: The origins and development of EDM and its relatives such as disco, house, techno, rave and electronica, focusing on cultural and technological influences.
Professor: Sean C. Nye

MUSC 250mgw The Music of Black Americans (4 units)

Description: A chronicle of the musical contribution of Africans and African Americans to American society and to the foundations of musical genres and styles throughout the world.
Professor: Ron McCurdy

MUSC 255 Songwriting I (2 units)

Description: Development of musical and lyrical skills, composing, listening, analysis, and critiques of popular original music.
Professor: Christopher Sampson, David Poe, Andrea Stolpe

MUSC 320mgw Hip-hop Music and Culture (4 units)

Description: A history of hip-hop music from its inception to the present: its musical processes and styles, as well as attendant social, political and cultural issues.
Professor: Sean C. Nye

MUSC 355 Songwriting II (2 units)

Description: Continuation of Songwriting I; particular emphasis on the analysis of the techniques of important popular songwriters and the application of these techniques to original songs. (Duplicates credit in former MUCO 252.) Prerequisite: MUSC 255.
Professor: David Poe, Andrea Stolpe