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.
- Art History (AHIS)
- School of Cinematic Arts (CTAN, CTCS, IML, CTIN, CTPR, CTWR)
- Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism (JOUR)
- Comparative Literature (COLT)
- Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture (CSLC)
- Earth Sciences (GEOL)
- East Asian Languages and Cultures (EALC)
- Viterbi School of Engineering (ITP)
- Environmental Studies (ENST)
- Davis School of Gerontology (GERO)
- Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies (HP)
- Judaic Studies (JS)
- Linguistics (LING)
- Thornton School of Music (MUCO, MUEN, MUHL, MUIN, MUJZ, MPGU, MPKS, MPPM, MPST, MPVA, MUSC)
- Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy (OT)
- Physical Education (PHED)
- School of Policy, Planning, and Development (PPD)
- Psychology (PSYC)
- School of Theatre (THTR)
Art History
AHIS 363m Race, Gender, and Sexuality in Contemporary Art (4 units)
Description: Focuses on issues of race, gender, and sexuality in American art of the last three decades. Recommended preparation: AHIS 121.
Chemistry
CHEM 103Lx General Chemistry for the Environment and Life (4 units)
Description: Chemistry for environmental studies, neuroscience and other life sciences: organic and inorganic structures, nomenclature, stoichiometry, solutions, gases, non-covalent interactions, equilibria, acid-base and redox reactions. Not for major credit in chemistry.
Cinematic Arts
ANIMATION
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 432 The World of Visual Effects (2 units)
Description: Introduction to the expanding field of visual effects; topics include magic lanterns shows, stop-motion fantasies and animation combination films employing the latest digital technologies.
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 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 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 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.
CRITICAL STUDIES
CTCS 190 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.
Rated one of the top six "USC classes you cannot afford to miss" (Saturday Night Magazine, 2004), this course explores the formal properties of cinema. Films may include "Raging Bull," "Sunset Blvd.," "Singin' in the Rain," "All About Eve," and "No Country for Old Men."
Instructor: 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.
Are we doomed to a future of wall-to-wall reality television? Will YouTube replace network TV? This course studies television as a unique dramatic form. Screenings will run the gamut from "I Love Lucy" to "Weeds" to "Mad Men."
Instructor: Julia Bess Himberg
CTCS 192m 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.
Instructor: Todd E. Boyd
CTCS 414 Chicana/o Cinema (4 units)
Description: Examination of Chicana/o cinema and the Chicana/o movement; technology; and the politics of race, class, gender, sexuality and international relations.
What makes a Chicano/a film Chicano/a? This course will explore the history of Chicana/o film and media from a variety of perspectives, including how Chicana/os have been represented in mainstream U.S. films. Films will be supplemented by readings in literature, history, sociology, and anthropology.
Instructor: Laura Isabel Serna
CTCS 464 Film and/or Television Genres (4, max 8 units)
Description: Rigorous examination of film and/or television genres: history, aesthetics, cultural context, social significance, and critical methodologies.
Children's Media
The contemporary status of children's films, television programs, and games. Films include "The Bad Seed," "Mildred Pierce," and "The Omen."
Horror, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Screenings may include "Freaks," "The Orphanage," "Aliens," "2001: A Space Odyssey," "Brazil," "The Tenant," and "The Invisible Man."
Instructors: Drew Casper, Ellen Seiter
CTCS 501 History of Global Cinema Before World War II (2 units)
Description: Historical survey of global cinema from its beginnings until the advent of World War II.
The history of cinema's first half-century. Lectures, discussions, readings, and screenings will explore the formal diversity of international cinema and examine the impact of global circulation and the complicated dominance of the American film industry.
Instructor: Laura Isabel Serna
CTCS 510 Case Studies in National and/or Regional Media (4, max 12 units)
Description: Seminar on media's impact in defining nation and/or region in specific cultural contexts. Also addresses issues of exile, diaspora, transnationalism and globalism.
The Films of Bunuel & Almodovar
University Professor Marsha Kinder's last course at USC, the class examines Spanish culture from the 1920s to the present.
Focus South Asia
This seminar focuses a new light on commonplace concepts such as the public, melodrama, diaspora, modernity, and much else.
Instructors: Priya Jaikumar, Marsha Kinder
CTCS 517 Introductory Concepts in Cultural Studies (4 units)
Description: Introduction to central concepts, key theories, and/or leading figures in cultural studies, particularly as they relate to issues of popular culture and visual media.
We will examine the different theories and theorists that make up the field of cultural studies, as well as various methods academics use to decode the objects and ideas that surround us. We will specifically focus on the role of identity politics and narratives of race, class and gender within contemporary society.
INSTITUTE FOR MULTIMEDIA LITERACY
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.)
INTERACTIVE MEDIA
CTIN 309 Introduction to Interactive Entertainment (4 units)
Description: Critical vocabulary and historical perspective to analyze and understand experiences with interactive entertainment; students imagine and articulate their own ideas.
Lectures will address the cultural history and theories of videogames. Students will play, analyze, interpret and discuss works from 1961 to the present, while cultivating a critical language for videogame aesthetics.
Instructor: William Huber
CTIN 404L Usability Testing for Games (2 units)
Description: Concepts and methods of usability assessment. The emphasis will be on understanding the issues surrounding game interfaces, and utilizing usability assessment methods.
As games become more sophisticated in their visual design, features, and cultural impact, the study of how we interact with them and understand them becomes an essential aspect of our media literacy. The emphasis will be on understanding game interfaces and translating them into design recommendations.
Instructor: Heather Desurvire
CTIN 405L Design and Technology for Mobile Experiences (2 units)
Description: Critical and pragmatic insights into designing mobile experiences and technology. Design groups will develop a mobile project using principles from readings and class discussions.
CTIN 406L Sound Design for Games (2 units)
Description: Introduction to the techniques, terminology, and implementation of sounds in games, including establishing a sense of place and concepts of realistic sound.
Instructor: Vincent Derina Diamante
CTIN 462 Critical Theory and Analysis of Games (4 units)
Description: Formal, aesthetic, and cultural aspects of digital games, critical discourse around gameplay, and the relationship of digital games to other media. Recommended preparation: CTIN 488.
Instructor: William Huber
CTIN 488 Game Design Workshop (4 units)
Description: Theory and evaluation of interactive game experiences and principles of game design utilizing the leading software approaches and related technologies. Recommended preparation: CTIN 309, CTIN 483.
Students will experience the fundamentals of game design through the study of classic games in both traditional and electronic form, as well as design their own games. Designed to provide the foundation of knowledge for becoming a professional game designer.
PRODUCTION
CTPR 327 Motion Picture Camera (3 units)
Description: Use of motion picture camera equipment; principles of black-and-white and color cinematography. Individual projects.
The magic of creating images on film, from using cameras, lenses, and filters to photographic processes and the role of the cinematographer 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.
Exploration of aesthetics, theory, history and procedures of motion picture editing for many styles of film. Students view award-winning shorts and sections of features to illustrate different editing styles, and edit a series of scenes using the latest Avid Express DV equipment.
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.
Motion picture production from writing of the script to planning, shooting, and completion of a movie. The class will write, direct, and shoot a digital video.
CTPR 409 Practicum in Television Production (2, 4, max 8 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 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.
WRITING
CTWR 321 Introduction to Television Writing (2 units)
Description: The fundamentals of writing for episodic television. Writing scenes from popular television shows and examination of television story structure. Prerequisite: CTWR 106b or CTWR 412 or CTWR 413.
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.
Learn the basic building blocks of any screenplay — visualization, character, dialogue, scene structure, conflict, and sequence. After writing short premises, students will progress to combining scenes into sequences and a short script.
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.
Communication & Journalism
JOURNALISM
JOUR 201 History of News in Modern America (4 units)
Description: Understanding news today. A survey of how news is gathered, weighed, and disseminated and how historical events have shaped news in the 20th century.
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 330 Photojournalism (4 units)
Description: Emphasis on fundamental skills necessary for photojournalism including camera techniques, story ideas and digital darkroom.
JOUR 340 Introduction to Advertising (4 units)
Description: History and development of advertising; basic advertising campaigns showing relationships of marketing, creative, print and electronic media.
JOUR 343 Advertising Design and Production (4 units)
Description: Production of advertising materials; emphasis on the creation and design of advertising elements. Prerequisite: JOUR 340.
JOUR 350 Principles of Public Relations (4 units)
Description: Theories, processes, and techniques involved in planning and implementing programs designed to influence public opinion and behavior through socially responsible performance and mutually satisfactory communication.
JOUR 373 The Ethics of Television Journalism (4 units)
Description: Ethical questions in television journalism; the application of these moral dilemmas to prepare students for dealing with similar issues in their lives.
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 381 Entertainment, Business and Media in Today's Society (4 units)
Description: An examination of the symbiotic relationship of the entertainment business and the media; press coverage of the entertainment industry; Hollywood's relationship with news media.
JOUR 433 Writing about Science (4 units)
Description: Techniques of writing about science, including news, profiles, features and commentary.
JOUR 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.
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 460 Social Responsibility of the News Media (4 units)
Description: News media as instruments of constructive social change; standards of ethics and aesthetics; interactions between news media and cultural settings; social responsibility of news media personnel.
JOUR 466m 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 484 American Religion, Foreign Policy and the News Media (4 units)
Description: Exploration of the influence of American religion on foreign policy from Colonial Era to present; how the news media, reporting on international stories, shapes public opinion.
JOUR 499 Special Topics (2-4, max 8 units)
Description: Selected topics in journalism.
News Literacy in the Digital Age (4 units)
Feeling overwhelmed by the media onslaught, from blogs to cable news to tweets? This course will teach you how to apply critical thinking skills to this unprecedented barrage of information, allowing you to sift fact from fiction, sourced information from biased opinion, and — as a result — to make informed choices as a news consumer and to become part of the civic conversation as a news contributor.
Students will also learn how the journalistic process works and how traditional ethics affect the rise of the “citizen journalist.” The health of our democracy depends not only on a free and vibrant press, but also on enlightened news consumers.
Instructor: Judy Muller
Money, Markets and Media (4 units)
This course is one of the foundations of Annenberg’s new Economic Literacy and Entrepreneurship initiative, designed with the belief and expectation that a sound understanding of economics is required in order to thrive in a wide array of professions — particularly in media. Though it is geared toward journalism students, all students are welcome. The course stresses critical thinking and analysis in examining choices of business leaders and economic policy makers. To achieve this goal, it draws from case studies, historical examples and the day's headlines as its primary sources.
Instructor: Gabriel Kahn
Comparative Literature
COLT 365 Literature and Popular Culture (4 units)
Description: Study of mass-reproduced verbal and visual art forms, such as graphic novels, comics, animation, popular music, video, graffiti, advertising.
COLT 382 Zen and Taoism in Asian Literature (4 units)
Description: Studies of the presence and influence of Zen Buddhism and Taoism in Asian literature, with a focus on China and Japan.
COLT 475 Politics and the Novel (4 units)
Description: Examination of the modern realist novel with special focus on the representation of social change (revolution, class conflict, sexual politics).
Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture
CSLC 501 Introduction to Comparative Media Studies (4 units)
Description: Ways of thinking about the differences and relations among different cultural media: literature, film, video, manga/comics, "new media," and so forth.
CSLC 603 Seminar in Comparative Studies in Culture (4, max 12 units)
Description: Intensive study of intellectual and cultural history, with a focus on key literary and theoretical texts.
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 107Lg 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.
GEOL 130Lg The Nature of Scientific Inquiry (4 units)
Description: Examination of the scientific process: what constitutes science; evolution of ideas about the nature of space, time, matter, and complexity; paradigm shifts in the biological and earth sciences. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 2 hours.
GEOL 150Lg 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.
East Asian Languages and Cultures
EALC 333 Introduction to Korean Film (4 units)
Description: Survey of Korean film, the film industry, and critical issues from the colonial period to the present.
EALC 499 Special Topics (2-4, max 8 units)
Engineering
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. Not available for credit to CSCI and EE majors.
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. Not available for major credit in electrical engineering or computer science.
ITP 125Lx From Hackers to CEOs: Introduction to Information Security (2 units)
Description: Introductory course in computer security. Fundamentals of information security management. Threats to information integrity. Ethical hacking concerns and practice. Policies and procedures. Not available for major credit in Engineering.
ITP 215Lx Modeling, Animation, and Special Effects (2 units)
Description: Developing a 3D animation from modeling to rendering: Basics of surfacing, lighting, animation, and modeling techniques. Advanced topics: compositing, particle systems, and character animation. Recommended preparation: knowledge of any 2D paint, drawing, or CAD program. Not available for major credit in engineering.
ITP 216 Web Animation and Interactivity (2 units)
Description: 2-D vector graphics for web and animation. Scripting techniques for interactivity. Action Script syntax, logic and control. Recommended preparation: basic computer knowledge.
ITP 230x Video Game Quality Assurance (4 units)
Description: Survey game software development through quality assurance and in-depth analysis of the development cycle with a focus on bug testing systems and methodologies. Not available for major credit in electrical engineering.
ITP 280 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.
ITP 320x Enterprise Wide Information Systems (3 units)
Description: The role Information Systems play in an organization. Integration of Business Processes by using Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERP). Not available for major credit in engineering.
Environmental Studies
ENST 100 Introduction to Environmental Studies (4 units)
Description: Gateway to the majors and minors in Environmental Studies. Provides students with an overview of how government agencies and societal institutions address (or fail to address) the interrelated social and scientific aspects of environmental problems and policies.
Gerontology
GERO 340 Policy, Values, and Power in an Aging Society (4 units)
Description: How Americans' political values affect public policy. Studies of landmark legislation to explore the social contract between generations and role of governments in social welfare. (Duplicates credit in former GERO 240.)
GERO 380m Diversity in Aging (4 units)
Description: Exploring diversity in the older population and variability in the human aging process.
GERO 411L Physiology, Nutrition, and Aging (2 or 4 units)
Description: Explores nutritional needs and the physiological, psychological, and sociological relationships to nutrition. Laboratory experiments in assessment and evaluation.
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 220 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 423 Psychological Development through Autobiography (4 units)
Description: Introduction to autobiography as a source of individual psychological development, with emphasis on integration of cognitive, emotional, and decision processes.
GERO 435m Women and Aging: Psychological, Social and Political Implications (4 units)
Description: Problems and resources of the middle-aged and older woman in a changing society; including discrimination, stereotypes, employment, social interaction, etc.
GERO 437 Social and Psychological Aspects of Death and Dying (2 or 4 units)
Description: Introduction and critical survey of the current issues, concepts, and research of the social and psychological aspects of death and dying.
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.
GERO 481 Case Management for Older Adults (4 units)
Description: Overview of the concepts, characteristics, skills, and clinical issues of case management in a variety of settings serving older persons.
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies
HP 400m Culture, Lifestyle, and Health (4 units)
Description: Comparison of national and international differences in health status as influenced by cultural practices and lifestyles within geographic, economic and political environments.
HP 401 Cultural Competence in Medicine (4 units)
Description: Systematic development of specific professional skills for providing effective, culturally sensitive health services to diverse populations. Recommended preparation: ANTH 101.
HP 440 Happiness, Well-Being, and Health (4 units)
Description: Explores human strengths that promote happiness/well-being and whether they influence physical health; mind-body relationships; and strategies for promoting hope, resilience, and quality of life. Recommended preparation: HP 200, PSYC 100.
Judaic Studies
JS 383 Jews in American Popular Culture (4 units)
Description: Social and cultural history of American Jewish contributions to the arts, science, literature, economics and politics.
Linguistics
LING 110Lg In a Word (4 units)
Description: Words as a gateway to the human mind. How words are stored, comprehended and retrieved. How words are constructed. Words and concepts. Words and social constructs. The processing and the acquisition of words in normal and atypical children and adults.
LING 122 Arabic I (4 units)
Description: Introduction to current Arabic; oral practice, hearing and reading comprehension; the grammar necessary for simple spoken and written expression. Lecture, classroom drill, laboratory practice.
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.
LING 375 Sociolinguistics (4 units)
Description: Linguistic and cultural pluralism in the U.S.; distributional and structural characteristics of selected urban and minority dialects; the relationship between dialects and "media standard." Prerequisite: LING 210.
LING 450 New Horizons in Forensic Speaker Identification (4 units)
Description: Overview of methods used to identify voices on the basis of their characteristic speech patterns.
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.
MUSIC ENSEMBLE
MUEN 305 Vocal Jazz Ensemble (1, max 8, units)
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, max 8, units)
Description: Rehearsal and performance of choral literature from all periods of music history. Open to all students. Graded CR/NC.
MUEN 308 USC Men’s Chorus (1, max 8, units)
Description: Rehearsal and performance of choral repertoire from all periods written for male voices. Open to all students. Graded CR/NC.
MUEN 311 USC Oriana Choir (1, max 8, units)
Description: Rehearsal and performance of advanced chamber music written for women’s voices. Open to all students by audition. Graded CR/NC.
MUEN 321 USC Concert Orchestra (1, max 8, units)
Description: Rehearsal and performance of orchestra repertoire. Open to all students, faculty, staff and members of the community. Audition not required. Graded CR/NC.
MUEN 324 University Band (1, max 8 units)
Description: Rehearsal and performance of standard repertoire. Open to all students by audition. Graded CR/NC.
MUEN 505 Vocal Jazz Ensemble (1, max 4, units)
Description: Study and performance of vocal ensemble literature from the Jazz idiom, with emphasis on improvisational techniques. Open to graduate students by audition.
MUEN 507 University Chorus (1, max 8, units)
Description: Rehearsal and performance of choral literature from all periods of music history. Open to all graduate students.
MUEN 508 USC Men's Chorus (1, max 4, units)
Description: Rehearsal and performance of choral repertoire from all periods written for male voices.
MUEN 511 USC Oriana Choir (1, max 4, units)
Description: Rehearsal and performance of advanced chamber music written for women’s voices. Open to all graduate students by audition.
MUEN 521 USC Concert Orchestra (1, max 4, units)
Description: Rehearsal and performance of orchestra repertoire. Open to all graduate students. Audition not required.
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.
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 287 The Business and Economics of the Recording Industry (2 units)
Description: Economic considerations of home, studio and location recording. Equipment, labor, facilities, media, legal and tax considerations will be explored.
MUIN 372ax The Business and Legal Aspects of the Music Industry (4 units)
Description: A survey of the major elements that support the music industry. History, copyright, music contracts, radio, record companies, managers, music publishing and communication. Not available for major credit to B.M. and B.S. music industry majors.
MUIN 425 Live Music Production and Promotion (4 units)
Description: A survey of the presentation of the live musical experience. Both classical and popular concert presentation will be examined including venue selection, promotion and security.
MUIN 446a Computer Assisted Recording and Editing (2 units)
Description: Techniques and applications of recording and editing sound on personal computers. Hardware, software, editing for song, sound effects and dialog for film.
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
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 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. (Duplicates credit in former MUPF 218ab.)
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.
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 120c 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 120b or MUPF 120b.
MPGU 120d 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 120c.
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.
MPKS 150b Beginning Piano (2 units)
Description: Techniques of performance, note reading, and basic musicianship. Not open to music majors. Prerequisite: MPKS 150a or MUPF 150a.
PERFORMANCE (POPULAR MUSIC)
MPPM 100 Popular Music Forum (1 units)
Description: A weekly lecture series addressing a wide range of special topics and issues confronting the popular musician. Graded CR/NC.
MPPM 120 Popular Music Performance (2, max 8, 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.
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.
MPVA 241 Intermediate Class Voice (2 units)
Description: Continued development of the fundamentals of singing, diction, and repertoire building. Prerequisite: MPVA 141.
MPVA 402 Musical Theatre Workshop (2, max 8 units)
Description: Stylistic and technical features of dramatic and musical elements involved in performance of American musical and standard operetta repertory; staging of scenes.
SCHOOL OF MUSIC
MUSC 255 Songwriting I (2 units)
Description: Development of musical and lyrical skills, composing, listening, analysis, and critiques of popular original music.
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.
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 420m 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.
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 450m The Music of Black Americans (4 units)
Description: The musical contribution of Africans and African Americans to American society. Musical genres and the relationship between music and society will be topics for examination.
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 Science and Occupational Therapy
OT 220 Lifestyle Design: Introduction to Occupational Therapy (2 units)
Description: Introduction to theoretical concepts concerning the relationship of engagement in activities (occupations) to health and well being. Application of these perspectives to students' own lives.
OT 250 Introduction to Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy (4 units)
Description: Introduction to concept of occupation and overview of human drive for meaningful activity; impact of occupations on health and well-being; analysis of personal occupational patterns; selected therapeutic applications.
OT 300 Occupational Expressions of Diverse Identities and Lifestyles (4 units)
Description: Exploration of the diverse ways occupational practices become central to identity, reify standard social ideologies, and are manipulated to redress conventional standards.
OT 310 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.
OT 312 Creating a Sustainable Lifestyle (2 units)
Description: Scientists and policymakers advocate lifestyle changes as crucial to solving the environmental crisis. Investigation into the development of habits that promote environmental sustainability and personal wellbeing.
OT 325 The Brain: Mind, Body, and Self (4 units)
Description: Exploration of neuroscience as it impacts everyday living, from the fundamentals of neurons and synapses, to the neural basis of language, empathy, and social interaction.
OT 333 Sports Ethics (4 units)
Description: Critically examines ethical issues central to the world of sports that range from matters of fair play and cheating to performance-enhancing drugs and gene-doping.
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 of basic strokes for beginners and intermediate swimmers; elementary springboard diving; water safety techniques; endurance training as a fitness program.
PHED 120a Yoga (1 unit)
Description: Introduction to meditation, breathing techniques and postures as a means towards relaxation; increase muscle flexibility, understanding of basic anatomy and nutritional guidelines. (Duplicates credit in the former PHED 120.)
PHED 120b Yoga (1 unit)
Description: A continuing study of intermediate and advanced yoga postures, breathing techniques and meditation as a means toward relaxation and stress-reduction. Prerequisite: PHED 120 or PHED 120a.
PHED 124 Walking for Fitness (1 unit)
Description: Develop a strong fitness foundation through walking; fitness assessment and individualized programs; gait biomechanics and power walking; injury prevention; strategies for special populations.
PHED 129a Aerobics (1 unit)
Description: Aerobic exercise focusing on cardiorespiratory endurance; encompassing a variety of training methods such as high/low impact aerobics, body sculpting, circuit training and nutritional guidelines.
PHED 131 Step Aerobics (1 unit)
Description: Development of physical fitness components through step aerobics; total body workout utilizing step movements and body sculpting exercises.
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 139b Volleyball (1 unit)
Description: Advanced techniques; focus on offenses and defenses used in game situations. Prerequisite: PHED 139a.
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 140b Tennis (1 unit)
Description: Reinforcement of basic strokes and instruction of advanced strokes; advanced strategies; singles and doubles; practice and match play. Prerequisite: PHED 140a.
PHED 143a Racquetball (1 unit)
Description: Instruction of basic stroke technique for beginners and intermediate players; rules, scoring, game tactics; practice of strokes and competition.
PHED 150 Table Tennis (1 unit)
Description: Fundamental instruction of basic strokes for beginning and intermediate players; rules, scoring strategies; singles and doubles; practices and match play.
PHED 155 Golf (1 unit)
Description: Basic skills development and knowledge in stance, grip and swing mechanics; course strategy; use of woods, irons and putting; history, rules and etiquette.
PHED 156a Basketball (1 unit)
Description: Basic skill development in dribbling, passing, shooting, rebounding and defense; rules, history, and etiquette; drills and full court games.
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 372m Public Service in an Urban Setting (4 units)
Description: Voluntary service in an urban, multicultural context: diverse meanings and practices, history, motivations, relationship to charity and change, dilemmas, public policies; service learning project required. (Duplicates credit in former PPMT 372.)
PPD 415 Health Policy (4 units)
Description: Health policy analysis and challenges; price of health; structure of major sectors in the health care; role of insurance in policy debates; trade-offs with policy decisions. Prerequisite: PPD 325.
PPD 461 Sustainability Planning (4 units)
Description: Planning as shaped by sustainability theories; sustainability indicators; topics include water resources, air quality, land use regulations, environmental design, carrying capacity, ecological footprint analysis. (Duplicates credit in former PLDV 461.)
Psychology
PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (4 units)
Description: Factors that influence human behavior, including learning, thinking, perception, motivation, and emotion; analysis of determinants of development, adjustment, and maladjustment.
PSYC 339Lg Origins of the Mind (4 units)
Description: Exploration of ancient philosophical questions concerning the origins of human knowledge through empirical studies of infants, animals, and adults from diverse cultures.
Theatre
THTR 124ax Character Acting (2 units)
Description: Concentration of imaginative processes which develop the individual characteristics of a dramatic role. Not available for credit to theatre majors.
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.
THTR 295 Theatre in America (2, max 8 units)
Description: Current state of American theatre, through a study of acting, playwriting, criticism, stage design, lighting, and dramatic styles.
THTR 421 Effective Oral Presentation (2 units)
Description: Developing and practicing performance skills necessary to give an effective oral presentation.
THTR 476m African American Theatre, Dance, and Performance (4 units)
Description: A survey of African American theatre and cultural performance traditions as a reflection of both African American culture and American history.