USC Schedule of Classes

History and application of proven collaborative design processes and methodologies as they relate to ideation and innovation.

Mediterranean and European art and architecture presented in historical, cultural and social context that introduces art history as a discipline.

Analyzing a wide range of case studies, this course provides a roadmap to analyze and interpret the built environment in many different eras and contexts.

Medieval visual culture as an introduction to the Christian heritage of western civilization and to the interaction of Church and state from the 3rd to the 13th century.

Examination of social conflicts and political controversies in American culture through the lens of visual art and photography.

Questions of social engagement and political structure address this examination of major international movements in art since 1940.

A worldwide perspective of architectural history as a product of social, cultural, religious, and political dimensions, b: 1500 CE to present.

Lecture-studio course on the theory and history behind contemporary art, design, and visual communication; students also create work, informed by ideas from the lecture.

Classical Greek and Roman mythology as inspiration for literature, art, music, and film in various historical contexts.

A loosely chronological, thematic survey of art, visual culture, design, and critical theory from the early modern period through modernism (1500 1950).

Gateway to majors and minors in cinematic arts. Technique, aesthetics, criticism, and social implications of cinema. Lectures accompanied by screenings of appropriate films.

The development of international cinema from its beginnings to World War II. Lectures, screenings, and discussions.

The television writer as an agent of change across current social issues including, but not limited to: race, gender, and class.

Gateway to the minor in dance. An interdisciplinary overview of dance relating to the aesthetic and art in various subjects. Applications of the elements of dance studies, art criticism, and viewing productions to explore topic such as architecture, photography, poetry, technology, cinematic arts, sports, medicine, and more.

Exploration of the discursive foundations, political motivations, and aesthetic strategies of dance writers and artists whose works have enabled the category of "black dance."

Examining the role that vernacular dance and music play in the creation of Jazz Dance, taught in lecture format; practical studies in Jazz Dance, from recreational to professional settings.

The study of dance in movies, television, internet, mobile devices and new media. Examining dance on screen, influenced by storytelling, camera technology and editing.

An overview of the creative design process and introduction to techniques to solve visual problems.

A comprehensive study of visual communication focusing on graphic design from 1900 to the present. An introduction to design thinking, language and principles including political and cultural implications.

The history of popular music particularly as developed in America in the 20th and early 21st centuries.

A study of the musical styles and genres from antiquity through early modern periods within their historical context. Detailed analysis of selected works.

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

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.

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

The origins and development of EDM and its relatives such as disco, house, techno, rave and electronica, focusing on cultural and technological influences.

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.

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.

An exploration of musical practices and styles which reflect and shape national identities and which focus on those created in response to political turmoil in many forms.

Historical survey of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie that explores their contributions to contemporary notions of "masculinity," "Empire," and "classic rock."

Comedy and Performance traces the history of comedy in performance from its earliest incarnations to the present day.