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.

USC School of Cinematic Arts (CTAN, CTIN, CTCS, CTPR, CTWR, CTXA, IML)
USC Thornton School of Music (MUCO, MUJZ, MUEN, MUHL, MUIN, MTEC, MPGU, MPKS, MPPM, MPST, MPVA, MSCR, MUSC)

School of Cinematic Arts

ANIMATION

CTAN 280 Intermediate Character Animation for Games (4 units)

Description: An applied introduction to the techniques used for animating 3-D bipedal human character content for the movement and interactive experience within 3-D video games.

CTAN 420 Concept Design for Animation (2 units)

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

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 451 History of Animation (2 units)

Description: In-depth survey of historical developments, styles, techniques, theory and criticism of animation as an art form.

CTAN 452 Introduction to 3-D Computer Animation (2 units, max 4)

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

CTAN 453 3-D Animation for Motion Graphics (2 units)

Description: Principles and skills for using Cinema 4D software to animate, model and render animation projects.

CTAN 455L Organic Modeling for Animation (2 units)

Description: The art of digital sculpting for animated characters, with visual effects integration. Recommended preparation: CTAN 452 or CTAN 462.

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 464L Digital Lighting and Rendering (2 units)

Description: Concepts, tools and techniques used to create cinematic lighting and rendering in computer-generated imagery (CGI). Prerequisite: CTAN 452 or CTAN 462.

CTAN 466 Projection Mapping Design and Production (2 units)

Description: An exploration of projection mapping with hands-on learning and projects providing professional skills and workflows for helping students create their own content.

CTAN 485L Pipeline and Character Modeling for Animation (2 units)

Description: Modeling and pipeline integration for 3-D animation props, sets and characters. Recommended preparation: Prior knowledge in Maya preferred.
This class teaches all the necessary skills to model and texture 3-D characters in Maya and ZBrush.

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.

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 571 2-D Motion Graphics (2 units)

Description: A creative 2-D motion graphics course covering animation technique, visual design aesthetics and software skills.

INTERACTIVE MEDIA

CTIN 411 Tabletop Game Mechanics Seminar (1 unit)

Description: Seminar on the design patterns and mechanics of successful tabletop games. Includes guest speakers on the latest trends in gaming content, tools, business and culture.
To understand games you must play games…so why not play the best? In this play-based course, students will play a curated sample of the most interesting and innovative board games ever made, exploring the mechanics and strategies that make them truly stand out.

CTIN 487 Streaming Explorations: Games and Entertainment for Community (2 units)

Description: Best practices and strategies for streaming. Students build a personality and audience through the course, receiving advice and feedback from emerging leaders in the field.
If students are interested in any aspect of the streaming space, this is the course for them. Featuring a rotating guest list of industry luminaries, esports analysts, twitch streamers and content creators, this class is an amazing way to get the education needed to succeed in this cutting edge format.

CINEMA AND MEDIA STUDIES

CTCS 190g Introduction to Cinema (4 units)

Description: Gateway to the majors and minors in cinematic art. Technique, aesthetics, criticism, and social implications of cinema. Lectures accompanied by screenings of appropriate films.
One of USC’s most popular courses.

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.
This course introduces students to the study of television as a unique dramatic form with a history of business and creative practices that both overlap and diverge from that of feature film.

CTCS 200 History of the International Cinema I (4 units)

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

CTCS 367 Global Media (4 units)

Description: Studies in the global configurations of television industries and cultures, including new technologies and the textual and sociological analysis of global media events and programming.

CTCS 393 Postwar Hollywood, 1946-1962 (4 units)

Description: Cinematic and extra-cinematic determinants of Post-Classical and Modernist Hollywood studio and independent genres, styles, and the star-phenomenon and their relationship to American history and culture.

CTCS 412 Gender, Sexuality and Media (4 units)

Description: Examines how gender and sexuality are figured in cinema and television with an emphasis on the development of feminist media theory.

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

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

CTCS 466 Theatrical Film Symposium (4 units)

Description: Description: Lectures and readings on creative problems in the motion picture industry; current films; interviews with visiting producers, directors, writers, performers.
Professor: Leonard Maltin

CTCS 467 Television Symposium (4 units)

Description: Description: Lectures and readings on creative problems in the television industry; study of current and historical trends, interviews with producers, directors, writers and performers.
Professor: Mary McNamara

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

CTPR 404 Practicum in Podcast Production (2 units)

Description: The basics of podcast production, including creating an idea, researching and writing the script, hosting, casting, recording and promoting a podcast episode.

CTPR 406 Visual Story and Communication (2 units)

Description: How visuals communicate emotions and ideas in streaming media, advertising, digital games, business and legal presentations and documentary and scripted filmmaking.

CTPR 409 Practicum in Television Production (1, 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.

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.

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.

CTPR 425 Production Planning (2 units)

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

From script to screen: practical application of methods and tools for the scheduling, budgeting, and planning 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.

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.

Learn and apply prominent theories of performance and how they relate to film and television. Students gain understanding of the tools of performance, as derived from the stage, and how they translate to film and television.

CTPR 456 Introduction to Art Direction (2 units)

Description: Introduction to computer drafting, set design, rendering and model-making for students with diverse abilities. Guest lecturers, group discussions and hands-on workshop.

CTPR 457 Creating Poetic Cinema (2 units)

Description: An investigation of poetic cinema from four different perspectives: found poetry; applied poetry; poetry as image; and poetry in narrative fiction. Production of short films.

Explores the relationship between poetic cinema and artistic expression — especially the visual arts, literature and music — through the creation of short films. Approaching the poetics of cinema through: found poetry, translating written poetry, cinema AS poetry and the poetic image in narrative cinema.

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.

Introduces film economics, exhibition, distribution, and production. Budgets, financing, television/non-theatrical and theatrical films, production and distribution agreements, copyright and legal considerations will also be covered.

CTPR 461 Managing Television Stations and Internet Media (2, 4 units)

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

In a period of unprecedented growth and change in media, students focus on how managers of TV, cable, radio and digital mass media are facing the challenges of the era. The class includes guest speakers, field trips and studies in mass media financing, marketing and history.

CTPR 470 Practicum in On-Screen Direction of Actors (4 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 (4 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.

CTPR 484 Advanced Multi-Camera Television Workshop (4 units)

Description: Exercises and practical application for writing and producing a multi-camera television project. Special attention to the development of the sitcom. Recommended preparation: CTPR 371 required for students who wish to direct a sitcom.

The Witt-Thomas-Harris Endowed Advanced Multi-Camera Television Workshop. Exercises and practical application for producing/directing/editing a half-hour television project. Recommended preparation: CTPR 371, CTPR 476, CTPR 523, CTPR 532/comedy for students who wish to direct and CTPR 310 or CTPR 335 for students who wish to edit. Offered in conjunction with CTWR 487 Staff Writing the Multi-Camera Television Series.

CTPR 487 Recording for Film Scores (2 units)

Description: Exploration of the role of the recording studio in professional film and video productions. Emphasis on technical and hardware considerations.

CTPR 491 Viral Comedy (2 units)

Description: Translating traditional storytelling tools into short form comedy that stands out online. Writing, directing and producing creative projects designed for current online platforms.

Learn how to translate storytelling into short form comedy that will stand out online. Students explore newer avenues, such as YouTube, IGTV and TikTok as outlets for their creative voices with projects they will write, direct and perform in.

CTPR 496 The Film Industry: Career Challenges and Choices for Women (2 units)

Description: Discusses women’s roles in the entertainment industry and career opportunities available for women in the business, corporate, and creative sectors.

WRITING

CTWR 211g The Television Writer: An Agent of Change (4 units)

Description: The television writer as an agent of change across current social issues including, but not limited to: race, gender, and class.
This course satisfies the university’s general education requirement.

CTWR 404 Foundations of Comedy (2 units)

Description: Study of comedy theory and practical applications in film, television, and social media. Lectures and screenings of comedic forms tracing past, present and future.

CTWR 407 Creating the Comedic Character (2 units)

Description: Utilization of various techniques for character to emerge naturally in scene and stories. Creating multiple comedic characters to generate future stories. Recommended preparation: CTWR 404.

CTWR 409 Fundamentals of Screenwriting: Character, Conflict and Story (4 units)

Description: Introduction to writing compelling scenes, creating authentic characters, three-act structure and feature film outlining.

CTWR 416 Motion Picture Script Analysis (2 units)

Description: Critical analysis of story structure from classic films to contemporary works. Identification of key story concepts and elements of three-act structure.

CTWR 417 Script Coverage and Story Analysis (2 units)

Description: Evaluation of completed scripts prior to their production. Coverage and analysis of scripts as potential properties from the perspective of a production company.

CTWR 516 Advanced Motion Picture Script Analysis (2 units)

Description: Critical analysis of the structure of films from the classics to current award winners. Students will learn how to identify key story concepts and break down three act structure in finished films and scripts.

CTWR 523 Introduction to the Screenplay (4 units)

Description: Introduction to formal elements of the screenplay through lectures and the workshopping of a complete first draft of a feature-length script. Prerequisite: CTAN 536 or CTWR 505 or CTWR 518. Recommended preparation: CTWR 516.

EXPANDED ANIMATION

CTXA 410 Audio Design for Animation and Immersive Media (2 units)

Description: Experimental and traditional audio design practices for animation, culminating in an immersive audio project utilizing acoustic design, surround sound, and professional recording and editing tools.

CTXA 423L Visualizing Science Production (2 Units)

Description: Principles of 2-D and 3-D digital animation applied to scientific themes and research topics.

CTXA 470 Documentary Animation Production (2 units)

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

CTXA 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.

CTXA 588 Animation for Virtual Characters, Robotics and AI (2 units)

Description: Designed to explore the illusion of life, sentience and how to develop compelling animation, diverse stories and gesture for virtual characters, AI and robotics.

MEDIA ARTS AND PRACTICE

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.

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.

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. 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. Counts as a requirement for the minors in Digital Studies and Future Cinema.

IML 340 Remixing the Archive (4 units)

Description: An intermediate level course, which approaches archived material from multiple perspectives, in order to develop new avenues of expression, education, and research.

Students will create a media project that uses archival images, video, sound and text in order to explore a topic in a multifaceted way. Counts as a requirement for the minors in Digital Studies and Media and Social Change.

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.

Students will design a speculative project by transforming a short story into an expanded/future cinema presentation. Counts as a requirement for the minors in Digital Studies and Future Cinema.

IML 420m New Media for Social Change (4 units)

Description: Creating real social change through multimedia, working in collaboration with a local nonprofit organization.

Students explore the nature of civic engagement and strengthen their digital media skills in the pursuit or
real world change. Counts as a requirement for the minors in Digital Studies and Media and Social Change.

IML 475 Media Arts Research Lab (2, 3, 4 units)

Description: A hands-on mentored research lab experience within the context of media art and in association with a real-world project.

Participating labs include the Mobile and Environmental Media Lab, the Mixed Reality Lab and the World Building Media Lab.

IML 575 Graduate Media Arts Research Lab (2, 3, 4 units)

Description: A hands-on mentored graduate research lab experience within the context of media art and in association with a real-world project. Open only to graduate students.

Participating labs include the Mobile and Environmental Media Lab, the Mixed Reality Lab and the World Building Media Lab.

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.

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.

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.

MUJZ 218b 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. Prerequisite: MUJZ 218a

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.

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.

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.

MUEN 307 University Chorus (1 unit, max 8)

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

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: Cristian Grases

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.

MUEN 322 Trojan Marching Band (1 unit)

Description: Continuation of MUEN 222. Graded CR/NC.

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.)

MUEN 507 University Chorus (1 unit)

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

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.

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.

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.)

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

MTEC 277x Introduction to Music Technology (4 units)

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.)

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.

MPGU 120b 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. Prerequisite: MPGU 120a or MUPF 120a

MPGU 121 Intensive Beginning Pop/Rock Guitar (4 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.

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.

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.

MPGU 127 Easy Fingerstyle Brazilian Rhythms (2 units)

Description: Learn basic Brazilian rhythms and famous classics with classical guitar fingerstyle techniques.

PERFORMANCE (KEYBOARD STUDIES)

MPKS 150a Beginning Piano (2 units)

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

MPKS 150b Beginning Piano (2 units)

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

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.

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.

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

Description: Beginning and elementary instruction in drum set techniques.

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.

PERFORMANCE (STRINGS)

MPST 163 Class Harp (2 units, max 4)

Description: Basic instruction in the fundamentals of solo harp playing, note reading, and basic musicianship. Open to music and non-music majors.

PERFORMANCE (VOCAL ARTS)

MPVA 141 Class Voice (2 units)

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

MPVA 402 Musical Theatre Workshop (3 units)

Description: Study of the acting, musical and movement elements involved in the performance of the Broadway musical repertoire.

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.