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.
American Language Institute
ALI 103x Elective Courses in English as a Second Language for International Students (2-8 units)
Description: Specialized tutorial classes in listening, speaking, reading, or writing. A maximum of 4 units may be counted toward a degree. Graded CR/NC.
The following ALI 103 elective courses are offered: Pronunciation Workshop – 2 units, Dissertation Writing – 2 units, Grammar – 2 units. For more information, contact the American Language Institute at (213) 740-0079 or visit www.usc.edu/dept/LAS/ALI.
ALI 258 Writing Workshop (2 units)
Description: Required for international students assessed by the International Student English Examination (ISE) or by completion of a lower level ALI course to be at the post-advanced level in all skills except writing. Graded CR/NC.
This course is also offered as an elective to those international students who want to improve their writing for college-level purposes. Students develop writing skills which will help them complete assignments faster and more efficiently. For more information, contact American Language Institute at (213) 740-0079 or visit www.usc.edu/dept/LAS/ALI.
ALI 259 Oral Skills (2 units)
Description: Required for international students assessed by the International Student English Examination (ISE) or by completion of a lower level ALI course to be at the post-advanced level in all skills except speaking. Graded CR/NC.
This course is also offered as an elective to those international students who want to communicate more fluently, effectively and confidently in spoken English. For more information contact American Language Institute at (213) 740-0079 or visit www.usc.edu/dept/LAS/ALI.
Architecture
For more information on architecture courses, visit arch.usc.edu/page_0543.jsp.
ARCH 106x Workshop in Architecture (2 units)
Description: Introduction to the ways architecture is created and understood, for minors and non-majors. Hands-on discussion and laboratory session with some drawing and model building. Not available for credit to architecture majors.
ARCH 114 Architecture: Culture and Community (2 units)
Description: Introduction to ways architecture represents aspirations of culture, satisfies practical and spiritual needs, shapes the social and urban environment, and helps preserve the planet.
ARCH 206 Shelter (4 units)
Description: Introduction to issues, processes, and roles of the individual in relation to present and future shelter needs and aspirations.
ARCH 214a History of Architecture (4 units)
Description: History of building and cities, social, political, technical, formal, aesthetic dimensions in western and non-western traditions: antiquity through the Middle Ages.
ARCH 220x The Architect’s Sketchbook (2 units)
Description: The architect’s sketchbook as a portable laboratory for perceiving and documenting space introduces the study of the built environment. On-site sessions develop drawing, observation, and visualization skills. Not for professional elective credit for architecture majors.
ARCH 270 Introduction to Architectural Studies (2 units)
Description: Gateway course requirement for the B.S. in architectural studies program introduces related fields using mentoring, readings, case studies and field trips.
Art History
AHIS 121g Art and Society: Renaissance to Modern (4 units)
Description: European art and its legacy in the Americas. Painting, sculpture, architecture and other visual media considered in relation to social and cultural history.
AHIS 126g Introduction to Asian Art: 1300 to the Present (4 units)
Description: A survey of the art and architecture of India, China, Korea, and Japan from 1300 to the present.
AHIS 201g Digging into the Past: Material Culture and the Civilizations of the Ancient Mediterranean (4 units)
Description: A broad survey, covering some 8,000 years and focusing on the material culture of the ancient world in a historical and social context.
AHIS 364m Myths, Arts, Realities: Visual Culture in California, 1849 to the Present (4 units)
Description: Diverse interpretations of “the California experience and lifestyle” in paintings, sculpture, photography, cinema, public art and popular culture of the last 150 years.
Business
FINANCE AND BUSINESS ECONOMICS
FBE 400x Introduction to Real Estate Finance and Development (4 units)
Description: Case analysis examining economic and financial aspects of real estate decisions for non-business majors. Focuses on dynamics of financing, markets and the development process. Open to all majors. Not available for credit as a senior options course for business majors or for students in the real estate option.
This course is an introduction to the fundamental principles of real estate finance for the individual with little to no prior background in real estate or general finance. Over the course of the semester, students will develop a set of analytical tools for understanding real estate investment opportunities and markets so that they can ultimately make investment decisions. Through a set of case examples, spreadsheet assignments, and a reality-based final project, students will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge they gain during lectures in practical settings. Taught by architect and Marshall faculty member Robert Bridges, this course is open to all students.
FBE 428m Principles of Employment Law (4 units)
Description: Comprehensive survey of employment and labor law topics arising in the contemporary American workplace.
This course teaches students to effectively manage the human resources within their organizations. The course will cover the challenges of managing human capital. Students will be able to make informed, sensitive and effective business decisions on a broad array of current human resources topics. Students will acquire a sound grasp of the concepts, legal vocabulary, and rules of law that apply to the material covered; and will attain the long-term benefit of spotting potential legal problems and issues.
FBE 429 International Business Law (4 units)
Description: Introductory course on the legal and regulatory environment of international business transactions.
This course will require students to consider how the markets, people and places involved in trade, commerce and exchanges throughout the world influence international business. Students will become aware of the effect that different cultural, political and economic aspects of business have on each other. The course will require students to think how different international laws affect the way our own country and countries throughout the world do business.
INFORMATION AND OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
IOM 431 Business Information Systems (4 units)
Description: Fundamentals of computer networks, protocols, TCP/IP and the Internet; introduction to electronic commerce, Web application development (CGI scripting, Java, and JavaScript); discussion of security issues.
IOM 433 Business Information Systems Analysis and Design (4 units)
Description: Information analysis and the logical specification of business systems, including logical design, physical design, and implementation; computer exercises and case studies.
IOM 435 Business Database Systems (4 units)
Description: Computer-based management of data including data structures, conceptual data modeling, logical data modeling, structured query language (SQL), and physical optimization of high performance databases.
IOM 499 Special Topics (2-4, max 8 units)
Description: Selected topics reflecting current trends and recent developments in information systems, operations management, and statistics.
Topic: Next generation technologies, strategies for global sourcing and global markets.
IOM 528 Data Warehousing, Business Intelligence and Data Mining (3 units)
Description: Introduction to data warehousing, multidimensional database, online analytical processing, and survey of business intelligence applications that extract useful information from data warehouses: e.g., decision tree. Business applications emphasized.
IOM 599 Special Topics (1, 1.5, 2, or 3, max 9 units)
Description: Selected topics reflecting current trends and recent developments in operations management, information systems, and decision support systems.
Topic: Global sourcing of services and products: strategies and markets enabled by technology.
Chemistry
CHEM 201Lg Chemistry in the Environment, Energy and Society (4 units)
Description: A range of issues where chemistry impacts society will be explored. Topics such as global warming, pollution, energy utilization and genetic engineering will be covered.
Energy and environmental issues take a large place in the issues of the day. Our approach to solving problems ranging from the Middle East conflict to global warming are closely related to the decisions we make concerning our energy resources. This class will cover a range of issues where chemistry impacts energy and the environment.
Cinematic Arts
Cinematic Arts offers more than 50 courses available to non-majors in the following areas: screenwriting, critical studies, film producing/television business, animation, film and video production and interactive media. Please refer to the Cinematic Arts Web site (cinema.usc.edu) or pick up a brochure in the lobby of the George Lucas Building or from the Office of Student Affairs, CTV G-130.
Communication
COMM 141 Applied Debate (4 units)
Description: Fundamentals of debate and critical thinking; participate in classroom and public on-campus audience debates; engage in experiential learning in community settings.
The course will include traditional classroom instruction as well as experiential learning in community settings, including competing in a regional debate tournament and serving as critics at a local high school tournament on behalf of the Urban Debate League.
COMM 302 Persuasion (4 units)
Description: Theories and research in social influence; strategies and tactics of persuasive communications in such settings as politics, public relations, advertising, business.
COMM 308 Communication and Conflict (4 units)
Description: Nature and functions of communication in human conflict; development of communication skills for managing conflict productively in interpersonal, organizational and intercultural contexts.
COMM 395m Gender, Media and Communication (4 units)
Description: Issues of gender in communication, including: media representations of femininity and masculinity; and gender’s role in communication at the interpersonal, public, and cultural levels.
COMM 440 Music as Communication (4 units)
Description: Examines music’s unique characteristics as a communicative form and the cultural, economic, political and social influences in music interpretation and production.
Earth Sciences
GEOL 105Lg Planet Earth (4 units)
Description: Geologic structure and evolution of planet earth. Principles of plate tectonics, rocks and minerals, processes of mountain building, continent and ocean formation, earthquakes, volcanism, development of landforms by running water and glaciers. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 2 hours. One all-day or two-day field trip required.
GEOL 107Lxg Oceanography (4 units)
Description: Physical, chemical, and geological character of the oceans and ocean basins. Origin of the oceans. Ocean processes and agents. Economic value of the oceans. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 2 hours. One all-day field trip required. Not available for major credit to earth or geological sciences majors.
GEOL 108Lg Crises of a Planet (4 units)
Description: Impact of civilization on planet earth, and impact of earth’s natural evolution on society: earthquakes, volcanism, landslides, floods, global warming, acid rain, groundwater depletion and pollution; mineral and fossil fuel depletion, formation of the ozone hole. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 2 hours. One all-day or overnight field trip.
GEOL 150Lxg Climate Change (4 units)
Description: Climate systems from the beginning of earth history to the present; tools and techniques used to reconstruct prehistoric climate records; effects of climate variations on development of life forms on earth. Not available for major credit to earth or geological sciences majors.
East Asian Languages and Cultures
EALC 110g East Asian Humanities: The Great Tradition (4 units)
Description: Introduction to the major humanities traditions of China, Japan, and Korea through an examination of representative works drawn from literature, aesthetics, philosophy, religion, and historical writing.
EALC 125g Introduction to Contemporary East Asian Cinema (4 units)
Description: An introduction to and overview of the contemporary cinemas of East Asia: China (Hong Kong, the Peoples Republic, and Taiwan), Japan and Korea.
The screenings and readings will consist of exemplary works from each East Asian culture, organized around specific motifs, such as war, art, food and the blockbuster.
EALC 335m Literature of the Korean People (4 units)
Description: Examination of the literature of the Korean people, both native writings as well as works written outside of Korea. Focus on issues and topics central to the Korean-American experience, as well as experiences within Korea and throughout Asia.
EALC 340g Japanese Civilization (4 units)
Description: Survey of the main characteristics and development of art, literature, philosophy, religion, political and social institutions through different periods. Conducted in English.
An interdisciplinary approach to the study of Japanese history, society, and culture. This course will emphasize the ways in which Japanese societies have changed over time, and in response to historical circumstances.
EALC 354g Modern Chinese Literature in Translation (4 units)
Description: Readings in modern Chinese poetry, fiction, and drama since 1919.
An analysis of the changing literary and cultural patterns through the reading of the representative works of modern and contemporary Chinese writers. A review of the literary background and close analysis of the literary expression of earlier short stories will present a strong contrast to the changing aspects of the family, society, religion, philosophy and sexual roles between the old and new China.
EALC 412b Business Chinese (4)
Description: Practice in the basic vocabulary and idioms of foreign trade and other commercial transactions in Mandarin. Prerequisite: EALC 206. b: Continuation of EALC 412a.
Students with strong language skills may waive EALC 412a by contacting an academic advisor at (213) 740-3707.
Education
EDUCATION
EDUC 204L Sociological Foundations of Education (3 units)
Description: Introduction to the sociological foundations of education through focused study of schools, teacher-student relations, and classroom processes as they relate to societal stratification.
EDUC 205L Child Development and Learning in Schools (3 units)
Description: Introduction to processes of development and learning in school aged children, with an emphasis on school contexts.
EDUC 409 Foundations of Language Education (3 units)
Description: Overview of research and current theories in bilingual, second language, and foreign language instruction.
EDUCATIONAL COUNSELING
EDCO 102xm Human Diversity: People, Power and Politics (4 units)
Description: Social and political power relationships: historical perspectives; factors which maintain dominate and subordinate status within current society; empowerment of persons (groups) in subordinate positions. Not available for major credit.
EDCO 248 Theories of Career Development (2 units)
Description: An exploration into the theories, literature, and techniques in the field of career development and the impact of psychological, sociological, economic, and other variables on career decision-making. Graded CR/NC.
EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
EDPT 110 Motivation and Learning Strategies (4 units)
Description: Applying research in cognitive psychology and motivation theory to improve students’ learning in different academic disciplines.
Fine Arts
FINE ARTS
FA 101a Drawing (4 units)
Description: An introduction to drawing, both skill and perception oriented, as the basic tool for all the visual arts.
FA 102 Design Fundamentals (4 units)
Description: Introduction to the basic elements and processes of visual communication and design. Instruction includes studio projects, lectures and readings. Various media used.
FA 105 Painting I (4 units)
Description: Practical introduction to oil and acrylic pigments, painting equipment, processes, and media. Also, primary experience in: color, composition and perception through representational and abstract painting.
FA 106 Sculpture I (4 units)
Description: Practical and theoretical introduction to sculpture as dimensional manipulation. Primary exploration of form, mass, gravity, surface, structure and associative recognition in three-dimensional art.
FA 140x A Cultural Guide to Los Angeles (2 units)
Description: An experiential and critical survey of the cultural phenomena that make up Los Angeles: dance, music, theater, film; emphasis on visual arts. Not available for major credit to fine arts majors. Graded CR/NC.
FA 207ax 207abx Two-Dimensional Art Workshop (2, max 8 units)
Description: Studio practice to develop standards of judgment and appreciation of the visual arts. Not available for credit to studio majors.
FA 208ax Three-Dimensional Art Workshop (2, max 8 units)
Description: Studio practice to develop standards of judgment and appreciation of the visual arts. Not available for credit to studio majors.
PUBLIC ART STUDIES
PAS 371 Art in the Public Realm: Contemporary Issues (4 units)
Description: Critical frameworks and theoretical perspectives of contemporary public art issues explored through case studies and discussions with artists, architects, and designers engaging the public realm.
Geography
GEOG 360 Environmental Disasters (4 units)
Description: Evaluates the causes, effects, and responses to international environmental disasters. Emphasis is on contemporary case studies in a theoretical context.
GEOG 392 Geographical Analysis (4 units)
Description: Models and theories in human and physical geography; statistical methods in geography; geographical pattern analysis; models of location and geographical interaction.
GEOG 431 Geography of California (4 units)
Description: Type study of a region; distribution of physical and cultural phenomena; delimitation into natural regions; analysis of human-environment interaction in regions of the state. Field trips.
GEOG 482L Principles of Geographic Information Science (4 units)
Description: Introduction to evolving science, technology and applications of GIS. Laboratories provide experience with computer processing of geographic information using several GIS software and programming languages.
Gerontology
GERO 380m Diversity in Aging (4 units)
Description: Exploring diversity in the older population and variability in the human aging process.
GERO 414 Neurobiology of Aging (4 units)
Description: Age-related changes in nervous system structure and function; relationship of brain changes to changes in cognitive function and perception; Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Lecture and discussion. Prerequisite: BISC 220L or BISC 221L.
GERO 416 Health Issues in Adulthood (4 units)
Description: Physiological, psychological, and social health problems of adults as they are impacted by health choices throughout life.
GERO 475 Ethical Issues in Geriatric Health Care (4 units)
Description: Biomedical ethical issues that are encountered in working with geriatric patients. Examination of ethical theory and the application of theory to clinical settings.
Information Technology Program
ITP 101x Introduction to Information Technology (4 units)
Description: Introduction to computer hardware, operating systems, networks, programming. Survey of application software in business and industry. Computer issues in the work place and society.
The currency of the new millennium is information technology, so get up to speed – and fast. This course provides an overview of information technology and its current trends, such as the galloping growth of the Internet, e-commerce and wireless communication. You’ll gain foundational knowledge of computer hardware, software and networking – as well as other practical skills needed to be competitive in the current labor market. Information exchange in this course will be hands-on and up-to-the-moment, allowing you to download and listen to podcast lectures.
ITP 104x Internet Publishing Technologies (2 units)
Description: Basic Internet publishing using HTML and other Web technologies. Concepts and theory of Web publishing and production. Introduction to page layout and design. Prerequisite: basic computer literacy.
Looking to take the Internet by storm? Get your Web publishing skills in order. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Web publishing, HTML, DHTML and the latest and greatest technologies. You’ll also have the opportunity to become proficient in Dreamweaver, the industry-leading Web development tool that will enable you to design, develop and maintain Web sites and applications.
ITP 215x 3-D Modeling, Animation, Compositing and Special Effects (2 units)
Description: Overview of developing a 3-D animation: from modeling to rendering. Basics of surfacing, lighting, animation and modeling techniques. Advanced topics: compositing, particle systems, and character animation. Prerequisite: knowledge of any 2-D paint, drawing or CAD program.
If it’s not animated, it’s just not that much fun. In this course, you’ll be given the tools to create innovative and engaging 3-D animations in just 15 weeks. You’ll get hands-on instruction with an industry-standard 3-D animation package that will teach you the fundamentals of building mesh objects, applying surfaces to objects and lighting scenes. You’ll also explore volumetrics, modifiers, particle systems, booleans and inverse kinematics. The result? You’ll leave the course with a short 3-D animation that you designed – and the desire to learn more!
ITP 280x Video Game Production (4 units)
Description: History of video games; overview of game genres; phases of video game development (concept, preproduction, production, post-production); roles of artists, programmers, designers, and producers.
Don’t just play games – learn how to create them. In this project-based course, you’ll gain a hands-on understanding of video game development from concept and proposal to design and production. Video game industry leaders will act as guest lecturers throughout the semester to help keep real-world application and interest top-of-mind. You’ll be introduced to various software tools that are key to creating exciting 3-D worlds, including level design, character and background modeling, textures and animation.
ITP 320x Enterprise Wide Information Systems (2 units)
Description: The role that Information Systems play in an organization and the challenging task of implementing and managing the IS function are both examined in detail. Prerequisite: ITP 101x.
Take in the big picture. SAP is the world’s leading provider of client/server software designed to integrate every aspect of a company’s operation. This course will provide you with a thorough understanding of the key role that Enterprise Resource Planning systems (ERPs) play in an organization and the challenging task of implementing and managing the IS function. Throughout the semester, you’ll have the opportunity to work through real-life business situations using the SAP R/3 system and explore the interaction among the different business processes, giving you a competitive edge in the marketplace.
International Relations
IR 305 Managing New Global Challenges (4 units)
Description: Examines strategies for managing global issues in the post Cold War period. Explores ways that international institutions, national governments and non-state actors work separately and together to provide order and control over complex international issues areas. Issues that will receive attention include financial and monetary relations, trade and foreign investment, preservation of the environment, the spread of weapons of mass destruction, population and migration, terrorism and ethnic strife.
IR 318 Conflict Resolution and Peace Research (4 units)
Description: Processes of conflict, violence, change, integration, stability, and peace in world society, analyzed primarily through the literature of the peace research movement.
Journalism
JOUR 210x Basics of Broadcast Newsroom Production for Non-Majors Only (2, max 4 units)
Description: Introduction to broadcast newsroom production; preparation and treatment of form and content; procedures, problems, ethics, and practice in planning and producing a nightly newscast. Open to non-journalism majors only. Not available for degree credit to journalism majors. Graded CR/NC.
JOUR 371 Censorship and the Law: From the Press to Cyberspace (4 units)
Description: The study of current and historical battles over the limits of free expression from press and public parks to television, movies, music and cyberspace.
JOUR 380 Sports, Business and Media in Today’s Society (4 units)
Description: An inside look at the symbiotic relationship of sports and the media – from the interdependence of sports and media, to the coverage of sports in newspapers, magazines, radio and television. The economic and ethical issues involved, the conflicts of interest, the history and current status of sports coverage in American media today.
JOUR 407 Newsradio (4 units)
Description: Production of radio news: research, reporting, writing, preparation and treatment of form and content: procedures, problems and practice in producing radio news programs.
JOUR 454 Sports Public Relations (2 units)
Description: Introduction to the field of sports information and promotion, including lectures, media assignments, role-playing, and presentations by sports professionals. Junior standing.
JOUR 457 The Role of Celebrity in Public Relations (4 units)
Description: Understanding of the history and application of celebrity in public relations, focusing on the entertainment industry and the notoriety attached to politics and the media.
JOUR 466 People of Color and the News Media (4 units)
Description: Reporting and portrayal of people of color in the United States; impact of racial diversity on media, employment and access, and development of media for individuals and communities of color. Open to non-majors.
JOUR 467 Gender and the News Media (4 units)
Description: Gender and news media evolving images of women and men in print and electronic media. Impact of gender in content and style of news, television and cinema. Open to non-majors.
JOUR 499 Special Topics (2-4, max 8 units)
Description: Selected topics in journalism.
Writing About
Science (4 units)
The universe belongs to everyone, yet many students shy
away from science courses because they’re afraid of getting buried in
problem sets. In this course, we will approach science through writing and
journalism — learning how to interpret the universe on its own terms, write
about science clearly and accurately, and become smarter readers (and
listeners) of science as it’s portrayed in the media. Students can expect
to both read and write a great deal, but no prior science (or journalism)
experience is required.
Instructor: K.C. Cole
Latino News Media in the
United States (4 units)
Last spring millions turned to U.S. Latino media
for news and guidance as immigrant rights marches swept the country. At
the same time USC students in this class went inside Latino media, talked
with staff at Univisión, La Opinión and Tu Ciudád, and could work for
Latino media. The course also covers the history of Latino media and
public relations and the forces driving their projected growth in the
future.
Instructor: Felix Gutierrez
News Media Visual Storytelling (4
units)
Learn news media visual storytelling methods and how to capitalize
on the increase of photographic storytelling in print, broadcast and web
worlds. Hands-on assignments let the students sense, select and perceive
visual messages both in the professional and everyday world. At the end of
the semester, students will have learned skills today’s new media visual
storytellers must possess in a world of converging media.
Kinesiology
EXSC 203 Individualized Exercise Prescription (2 units)
Description: Principles and theories related to exercise prescription; programs of weight-training, circuit-training, aerobics, flexibility, high and low-intensity training guidelines; safeguards and effectiveness.
EXSC 205Lxg The Science of Human Performance (4 units)
Description: The physiological and nutritional basis of human performance. Factors that facilitate and limit athletic achievement. Lectures and laboratory. Not available for major credit.
EXSC 310 Sociopsychological Aspects of Sport and Physical Activity (4 units)
Description: Examination of the individual in a social environment related to sport and physical activity; personality, motivation, attitude, and group behavior viewed in physical activity contexts.
Linguistics
LING 210 Introduction to Linguistics (4 units)
Description: Empirical study of the sounds and structures of human language; syntax and semantics; language change; linguistic universals.
LING 275Lg Language and Mind (4 units)
Description: Language within cognitive science: speech physiology and acoustics, language acquisition, reading, language disorders, perception and mental representation of words, linguistic diversity, and computer analysis of speech.
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.
MUCO 250 Songwriting I (2 units)
Description: Development of musical and lyrical skills, composing, listening, analysis, and critiques of popular original music.
ELECTROACOUSTIC MEDIA
MUEA 474abx Electronic Synthesizer Techniques (2-4; 2-4 units)
Description: a and b: Electronic music procedures in a multi-track studio. b: Computer applications.
JAZZ STUDIES
MUJZ 100xm Jazz: A History of America’s Music (4 units)
Description: Gateway to the minor in Jazz Studies. Historical evolution of jazz from its origins to present day; elements of musical structures and jazz styles revealed through the study of recorded examples, live performances and video. Not available for credit to jazz studies majors.
MUJZ 419m The Jazz Experience: Myths and Culture (4 units)
Description: An examination of the music, culture, and mythology of jazz revealed through the study of jazz fiction, film, poetry, and recorded examples.
MUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE
MUHL 315x Music and Culture (4 units)
Description: Gateway to the B.A. degree in music. Western and non-Western music in its socio-cultural context. Not available for credit to B.M. majors. Ability to read music highly recommended.
MUHL 403 Introduction to Armenian Music (2 units)
Description: Folk and church music; text, origins, genres, and general characteristics.
MUSIC INDUSTRY
MUIN 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.
MUIN 495 Music Industry, Broadcast and the Internet (4 units)
Description: An exploration of the effects of new technologies, laws, economic models, media (Internet, mobile, satellite), the decline of traditional broadcasting, and convergence with the music industry. Recommended preparation: MUIN 360 or MUIN 372bx.
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 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.
PERFORMANCE (KEYBOARD STUDIES)
MPKS 150a Beginning Piano (2 units)
Description: Techniques of performance, note reading, and basic musicianship. Not open to music majors.
PERFORMANCE (STRINGS)
MPST 163 Beginning Harp (2, max 8 units)
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, max 4 units)
Description: Introduction to the fundamental principles of singing: breath control, tone production, diction, and the use of appropriate song material.
SCHOOL OF MUSIC
MUSC 400m The Broadway Musical: Reflection of American Diversity, Issues, and Experiences (4 units)
Description: Selected Broadway musicals serve as a catalyst for inquiry into human diversity, cross-culturalism, and significant social and political issues.
MUSC 422 The Beatles: Their Music and Their Times (4 units)
Description: Music, lyrics, recordings, production techniques, career strategy, social ramifications, and especially the technological impact of the musical group known as The Beatles.
MUSC 423 Classic Rock: Popular Music of the Sixties and Seventies (2 units)
Description: Critical examination of the lyrics, structure, associated mythology, technology, and evolving styles of popular music reflecting the turbulent societal changes during the Sixties and Seventies.
MUSC 430m Music and the Holocaust (4, FaSp)
Description: Study of the creation and performance of Holocaust-related music from 1933 to the present, including interaction with other arts.
MUSC 460 Film Music: History and Function from 1930 to the Present (4 units)
Description: A survey of the art and craft of film music as practiced by outstanding composers in motion pictures.
MUSC 465 Music, Television and American Culture (4 units)
Description: An exploration of the social and cultural impact of music written for, popularized by, or exploited by American television from the 1950s through today.
Occupational Therapy
OT 310x Creativity Workshop (2 units)
Description: Theories and practice of the creative process in varied media, genres and occupations. Explores creativity in the arts, sciences, professions, evolution, daily life, and culture. Not available for major credit to occupational therapy majors.
OT 320 The Nature of Human Occupation: Form, Function, and Meaning (4 units)
Description: The complex nature of human occupation is covered from an interdisciplinary perspective. Emphasis is on how occupation contributes to human experience in a lived world.
This interdisciplinary course delves into the complex nature of everyday activities and how they contribute to the human experience. You will have an opportunity for self discovery and expanding your knowledge about the power and importance of everyday activities.
OT 325 The Biosocial Context of Human Occupation (4 units)
Description: Hormonal and contextual (social, physical, and temporal) correlates of human occupations and psychological states; collection and interpretation of field data using innovative research methods.
This course explores how everyday activity choices, and the meanings and feelings we associate with them, are influenced by the complex interaction between biological factors (hormones, drives, physiology), and contextual factors (social, physical, temporal).
Physical Education
PHED 102a Weight Training (1 unit)
Description: Improvement of body shape, muscle endurance, and muscle strength; understanding of weight training and nutrition principles that can be utilized for future weight training development.
PHED 104a Self-Defense (1 unit)
Description: Basic instruction of self-defense for beginners; strategies for standing and ground fighting situations with and without weapons.
PHED 106a Physical Conditioning (1 unit)
Description: Improvement in cardiorespiratory endurance, body composition, muscle endurance and flexibility; running, circuit training, resistance exercises; fitness principles and nutrition to develop individualized program.
PHED 110a Swimming (1 unit)
Description: Instruction and practice in basic strokes for beginners and intermediate swimmers; elementary springboard diving; water safety techniques; endurance training as a fitness program.
PHED 129a Aerobics (1 unit)
Description: Aerobic exercise designed to improve cardiorespiratory endurance; high/low impact aerobics; body sculpting; circuit training; nutritional guidelines.
PHED 139a Volleyball (1 unit)
Description: Introduction to beginning and intermediate volleyball skills, rules, game tactics, and strategies. Emphasis on the development of: passing, setting, hitting, serving, blocking, and digging.
PHED 140a Tennis (1 unit)
Description: Fundamental instruction of basic strokes for beginners and intermediate players; rules, scoring, court etiquette, strategies; singles and doubles; practice and match play.
PHED 160 Stress Management for Healthy Living (2 units)
Description: Instruction on the effects of stress as it relates to work, sport and academics; coping strategies are discussed and applied through physical conditioning interventions.
Policy, Planning, and Development
PPD 225 Public Policy and Management (4 units)
Description: Institutions, legal context, and processes of public policy and management. Contemporary theories of public policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation. Public managerial challenges and reforms.
PPD 227 Urban Planning and Development (4 units)
Description: Gateway to B.S., Public Policy, Management and Planning and minor in Planning and Development. City building and development process; who plans; politics of planning and development; major topics include land use, fiscal policy, transportation, sustainability, and economic development.
PPD 230 Introduction to Health Policy and Management (4 units)
Description: Gateway to the minor in Health Policy and Management and the Health Care Policy and Management track of the B.S., Public Policy and Management. Institutions and processes affecting health care policy and the management of health care delivery in the United States; historical and philosophical roots; access and quality issues; responsiveness to public needs.
PPD 250m Third World Cities (4 units)
Description: Gateway to the B.S., Planning and Development. The transition from traditional to modern cities in the developing world. Primacy and dualism; comparative urbanism as an expression of cultural variation; contrast in Western cities.
Political Science
POSC 110 Ideology and Political Conflict (4 units)
Description: Modern political ideologies; their assumptions, perceptions, and prescriptions regarding political stability and social injustice: anarchism, communism, socialism, liberalism, conservatism, and fascism.
POSC 130g Law, Politics and Public Policy (4 units)
Description: Interaction between law and politics; overview of the American legal system; value conflicts and public policy questions which arise within it. Concurrent enrollment: WRIT 140.
POSC 351 Middle East Politics (4 units)
Description: Political development in the Middle East, emphasizing historical, cultural, and socioeconomic conditions affecting political structures and functions; modernization and countervailing social, economic and religious forces.
POSC 365 World Political Leadership (4 units)
Description: Comparative analysis of theories of power and leadership; application to leaders from western democracies, Third World, and socialist countries. Societal consequences of their policies.
POSC 381 Sex, Power, and Politics (4 units)
Description: An evaluation of the ways in which different ideologies, institutions, and policies contribute to differences in political power between men and women.
POSC 395 Directed Governmental and Political Leadership Internship (2-8, max 8 units)
Description: Intensive experience in governmental and political offices. Minimum time requirement; evaluation by office and intern report required. Prerequisite: permission of Director of Institute of Politics and Government.
POSC 423 Presidents and the Presidency (4 units)
Description: Presidential coalition; sources of presidential power; recent leadership styles; decision-making within the presidency.
POSC 432 Politics of Local Criminal Justice (4 units)
Description: Roles and behavior of major legal and political participants in the criminal justice system including the police, the legal profession, judges, and the public.
Theatre
THTR 122 Improvisation and Theatre Games (2, max 4 units)
Description: Individual and group exercises to free the actor physically and emotionally and to stimulate creativity, imagination, and self-expression.
Have fun, relieve stress and lose your inhibitions through improv and theatre games. Unleash your creativity and child within. Movement, character and comedy. This class is “Saturday Night Live” at USC.
THTR 188a International Style Ballroom Dance (2 units)
Description: Representative ballroom dances: waltz, slow foxtrot, tango, and quickstep. Beginning. Graded CR/NC.
This class includes the latest techniques in Latin dances and swing variations, in addition to its ballroom repertoire.
THTR 222 Stage Make-up (2 units)
Description: Principles of stage make-up materials and skills allowing the actors to enhance their features and techniques for moderate and extreme aging, injuries, and character roles.
Couldn’t believe how real that nasty scar looked? Never knew that someone’s nose could grow bigger? Come train with a skilled professional make-up artist. Learn all the secrets to make-up and special effects.
Urban Studies
URBN 475 Urban Practicum (4 units)
Description: Critical assessment of existing urban neighborhoods as a basis for proposing positive social and physical interventions. Recommended preparation: URBN 375.