Spring 2017

Animation (CTAN)

• http://cinema.usc.edu/animation
• Fall and spring semester D class assignments are available in the Animation and Digital Arts Office in SCB210D; phone (213) 740-3986. Your D clearance will only be effective until its expiration date and all elective courses will change from 'D' to 'R' after the end of early registration. For summer classes, contact the Summer Program Office in SCA250, phone (213) 740-3327. YOU MUST ATTEND THE FIRST SESSION of each course or you may be replaced by a student on the waiting list, even if you are registered. Fall and spring semester D class assignments are available in the Animation and Digital Arts Office in SCB210D; phone (213) 740-3986. Your D clearance will only be effective until its expiration date and all elective courses will change from 'D' to 'R' after the end of early registration. For summer classes, contact the Summer Program Office in SCA250, phone (213) 740-3327. YOU MUST ATTEND THE FIRST SESSION of each course or you may be replaced by a student on the waiting list, even if you are registered.

CTAN 102L: Introduction to the Art of Movement (2.0 units)

Theory and practice of animation with a focus on movement, gesture, timing and performance. Open to freshman in Animation and Digital Arts majors only.

• Prerequisite: CTAN 101
• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Animation and Digital Arts
• Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Freshmen

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17956D	001	Lecture-Lab	7:00-9:50pm	Thursday	14 of 15	Eric Goldberg,	SCB205
			1:00-2:50pm	Tuesday		Angie Jones	SCB102

CTAN 200g: The Rise of Digital Hollywood (4.0 units)

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

• General Education: This course satisfies the university's general education requirement.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17960R	001	Lecture	12:00-3:50pm	Thursday	29 of 45	Tom Sito	SCB104	Word (52165 KB)

CTAN 202L: Introduction to 3-D Character Animation (3.0 units)

3-D animation performance utilizing pre-set rigs and virtual characters. Emphasis on timing, gesture, and performance. Prerequisite: CTAN 201. Open only to sophomores in Animation and Digital Arts.

• Prerequisite: CTAN 201
• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Animation and Digital Arts
• Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Sophomore

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17957D	001	Lecture-Lab	9:00-11:50am	Wednesday	17 of 17	Angie Jones	SCB102
			4:00-6:50pm	Friday			SCB102

CTAN 330: Animation Fundamentals (2.0 units)

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

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17850R	001	Lecture	5:00-7:50pm	Tuesday	13 of 15	Angie Jones	SCB205
17854R	001	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Wednesday	14 of 15	Sheila Sofian	SCB207

CTAN 336: Ideation and Pre-Production (2.0 units)

Emphasis of lateral thinking working across boundaries to find underlying principles in terms of ideation: the act of becoming an agent of ideas. Open to junior animation majors only.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Junior
• Restriction: Registration open to the following school(s): School of Cinematic Arts

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17852D	001	Lecture	2:00-4:50pm	Thursday	16 of 16	Christine Panushka,	SCB207
			1:00-3:50pm	Monday		Maks Naporowski	SCB102

CTAN 401b: Senior Project (4.0 units)

b: Completion and exhibition of the short animated film to demonstrate understanding and further examination of the possibilities of animation time based graphic media. Open to senior animation majors only.

• Prerequisite: CTAN 401a
• Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Senior
• Restriction: Registration open to the following school(s): School of Cinematic Arts

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17853D	001	Lecture-Lab	1:00-3:50pm	Wednesday	22 of 22	Trixy Wattenbarger, Candace Reckinger	SCB205

CTAN 420: Concept Design for Animation (2.0 units)

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

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17917R	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Thursday	16 of 16	John Mahoney	SCB207

CTAN 432: The World of Visual Effects (2.0 units)

Introduction to the expanding field of visual effects; topics include integration for cinematic storytelling and the study of digital productions employing the latest visual effects.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17856R	001	Lecture	4:30-7:20pm	Thursday	37 of 48	Craig Barron	SCB104	PDF (84882 KB)

CTAN 436: Writing for Animation (2.0 units)

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

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17865R	001	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Monday	13 of 15	Elizabeth Brauer	SCB304

CTAN 448: Introduction to Film Graphics - Animation (4.0 units)

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

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17868R	001	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Friday	16 of 16	Elisabeth Mann	SCB205

CTAN 450a: Animation Theory and Techniques (2.0 units)

Methods for creating animation blending traditional techniques with contemporary technologies.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17874R	001	Lecture-Lab	7:00-8:50pm	Wednesday	13 of 15	Ramiro Cazaux	SCB102
			9:00-11:50am	Friday			SCB102

CTAN 450c: Animation Theory and Techniques (2.0 units)

Practical completion of a short animated film.

• Prerequisite: CTAN 450b

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17887D	001	Lecture-Lab	4:00-5:50pm	Wednesday	7 of 13	Everett Lewis	RZC117
			9:00-11:50am	Friday			SCB102

CTAN 452: Introduction to 3-D Computer Animation (2.0 units, max 4)

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

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17892R	001	Lecture-Lab	7:00-10:00pm	Tuesday	15 of 15	Dariush Derakhshani	SCB102
			9:00-11:50am	Friday			RZC117
17893R	001	Lecture-Lab	9:00-11:50am	Tuesday	14 of 15	Maks Naporowski	SCA356
			7:00-9:50pm	Friday			SCB102
17894R	001	Lecture-Lab	4:00-6:50pm	Monday	13 of 15	Marcel Valcarce	SCB102
			9:00-11:50am	Friday			RZC117
17895R	001	Lecture-Lab	7:00-9:50pm	Thursday	14 of 15	Dariush Derakhshani	SCB102
			7:00-9:50pm	Friday			SCB102

CTAN 460: Character Design Workshop (2.0 units)

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

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17909R	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	13 of 16	Caroline Hu	SCB207

CTAN 462: Visual Effects (2.0 units)

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.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17898R	001	Lecture-Lab	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	11 of 15	Frederic Durand	SCB102
			1:00-3:50pm	Friday			RZC117

CTAN 465L: Digital Effects Animation (2.0 units)

All aspects of digital effects animation, including particles, dynamics, and fluids. Creating water, fire, explosions, and destruction in film.

• Prerequisite: 1 from (CTAN 452 or CTAN 462)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17912R	001	Lecture-Lab	7:00-9:50pm	Friday	12 of 15	Frederic Durand	RZC117
			1:00-3:50pm	Thursday			RZC117

CTAN 470: Documentary Animation Production (2.0 units)

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

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17911R	001	Lecture	9:00-11:50am	Thursday	13 of 15	Sheila Sofian	SCB205

CTAN 495: Visual Music (2.0 units)

Experimental animation providing the opportunity to produce individual or group projects. Focus is non-conventional techniques for image creation and collaboration between composer and visual artist. Not open to freshmen and sophomores.

• Restriction: Registration closed to the following class level(s): Freshmen, Sophomore

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17906R	001	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Friday	15 of 15	Michael Patterson	SCB102

CTAN 496: Directed Studies (2.0 units)

Individual research under faculty guidance.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Animation and Digital Arts

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17908D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	10 of 15	Tom Sito	OFFICE

CTAN 497L: Generative Animation (2.0 units)

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

• Prerequisite: CTAN 452

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17921R	001	Lecture-Lab	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	10 of 14	David Bazelon	RZC117
			9:00-11:50am	Monday			RZC117

CTAN 502L: Experiments in Immersive Design (2.0 units)

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

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17961R	037	Lecture-Lab	9:00-11:50am	Tue, Thu	15 of 15	Eric Hanson	SCB102	PDF (527996 KB)

CTAN 503: Storyboarding for Animation (2.0 units)

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

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17920R	037	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Thursday	15 of 15	Michael Patterson	SCB205

CTAN 505: The Business of Animation (2.0 units)

Professional knowledge and application of fundamental business skills associated with working in the animation industry, academia or the arts.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17924D	037	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Monday	15 of 15	Richard Goldsmith	SCB205	PDF (149326 KB)

CTAN 508L: Live Action Integration with Visual Effects (2.0 units)

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

• Prerequisite: CTAN 462

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17925R	037	Lecture-Lab	7:00-9:50pm	Thursday	5 of 13	Robert Nederhorst	RZC117
			12:00-2:50pm	Wednesday			RZC117

CTAN 522: Animation Department Seminar (1.0 units, max 6)

A weekly seminar required of all MFA Animation students. This course includes guest speakers, faculty and student presentations followed by lively and critical discussion. Graded CR/NC.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17928D	037	Lecture	6:00-9:00pm	Wednesday	31 of 49	Kathy Smith	SCB104

CTAN 536: Storytelling for Animation (2.0 units)

Storytelling workshop for animators; application of dramatic techniques to visual concepts to derive three-dimensional stories which can serve as bases for finished films. Open only to cinematic arts students. (Duplicates credit in CTAN 436.)

• Restriction: Registration open to the following school(s): School of Cinematic Arts

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17862D	037	Lecture	10:00-12:50pm	Wednesday	15 of 15	Elizabeth Brauer	SCB207

CTAN 547: Animation Production I (3.0 units)

Practicum in film, video and computer animation emphasizing the production process through individual projects. Open only to Animation and Digital Arts master students.

• Prerequisite: CTAN 544
• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Animation and Digital Arts
• Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Master Student

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17946D	037	Lecture-Lab	10:00-12:50pm	Tuesday	15 of 15	Trixy Wattenbarger	SCB205
			4:00-6:50pm	Friday			SCB202

CTAN 550: Stop Motion Puppet and Set Design (2.0 units)

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

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17949R	037	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Tuesday	12 of 16	Musa Brooker	SCB207

CTAN 551: Stop Motion Performance (2.0 units)

Incorporating classic stop motion techniques for puppet performance and animation. Emphasis on timing, performance, movement, animation and gesture.

• Prerequisite: CTAN 550

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17948R	037	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Thursday	8 of 14	Musa Brooker	SCB304

CTAN 564L: Motion Capture Fundamentals (2.0 units)

Fundamental principles of motion capture technology explored while working through a structured series of assignments based around performance, gesture and motion.

• Prerequisite: 1 from (CTAN 452 or CTAN 462)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17997R	037	Lecture-Lab	7:00-9:50pm	Tuesday	15 of 15	John Brennan	RZC117
			10:00-12:50pm	Thursday			RZC117

CTAN 577b: Fundamentals of Animation (2.0 units)

The exploration of the techniques of the art of character animation with an emphasis on discipline, performance and personality observation, specializing in classical Hollywood animation. Open only to Animation and Digital Arts master students.

• Prerequisite: CTAN 577a
• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Animation and Digital Arts
• Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Master Student

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17958D	037	Lecture-Lab	4:00-6:50pm	Tuesday	16 of 16	Maks Naporowski	SCB102
			1:00-3:50pm	Friday			SCA356

CTAN 591: Animation Pre-Thesis Seminar (2.0 units)

A pre-production seminar, where students complete the research, development, script and storyboards for their thesis projects to be executed in CTAN 594ab. Open to M.F.A. Animation students only.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Animation and Digital Arts

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17970D	037	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Tuesday	16 of 16	Christine Panushka	SCB205

CTAN 592: Master Class (2.0-6.0 units, max 12)

A special projects course in which students produce a major work through weekly meetings with a master artist/animator. Topics must be approved prior to enrollment. Recommended preparation: Previous advanced animation production experience. Recommended preparation: Previous advanced animation production experience.

Section	Session	Units	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17971D	037	2.0	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Thursday	9 of 11	Elisabeth Mann	SCB101

CTAN 593: Directed Studies in Animation (2.0 units, max 4)

Individual exploration in the areas of contemporary technology, animation techniques or experimental film through internships, residencies or directed studies. Open only to Animation and Digital Arts master students.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Animation and Digital Arts
• Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Master Student

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17982D	037	Lecture	TBA	TBA	6 of 18	Tom Sito	OFFICE

CTAN 594b: Master's Thesis (2.0 units)

Credit on acceptance of Thesis. Graded CR/NC.

• Prerequisite: CTAN 594a

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17988D	037	Lecture-Lab	10:00-11:50am	Monday	14 of 14	Kathy Smith,Tom Sito,Sheila Sofian,Christine Panushka,Eric Hanson,Elisabeth Mann, Trixy Wattenbarger, Michael Patterson, Angie Jones,Candace Reckinger	SCB205

CTAN 599: Special Topics (2.0-4.0 units, max 8)

Detailed investigation of new or emerging aspects of cinema; special subjects offered by visiting faculty; experimental subjects.

Section	Session	Units	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
Creative Production in Virtual Reality
17989R	037	2.0	Lecture	9:00-11:50am	Wednesday	14 of 15	Eric Hanson	RZC117	PDF (524248 KB)
				4:00-6:50pm	Thursday			RZC117