Classes Offered - USC Schedule of Classes

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 101L: Introduction to the Art of Animation (2.0 units)

Theory and practice of animation across organic and digital media with an emphasis on self-exploration. Open to freshman in Animation and Digital Arts majors only.

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
17853D	001	Lecture-Lab	4:00-5:50pm	Wednesday	14 of 14	Michael Patterson,	SCB102
			1:00-3:50pm	Thursday		Marcel Valcarce	SCB207

CTAN 210: Design Fundamentals for Animation II (2.0 units)

Applying design principles in image-making and motion with software skills in After Effects to produce creative content and expand animation practice.

Prerequisite: CTAN 110
Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Animation and Digital Arts

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17857D	001	Lecture-Lab	7:00-9:50pm	Wednesday	19 of 19	Justin Parpan	SCB102

CTAN 220: Introduction to Storyboarding (2.0 units)

A practical introductory course that emphasizes the fundamentals of digital storyboarding to include storyboarding basics, proper composition, staging for clarity, pitching and critique.

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

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17858D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Friday	19 of 19	Katharine Smith	SCB102	PDF (431473 KB)

CTAN 280: Intermediate Character Animation for Games (4.0 units)

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

Prerequisite: 1 from (CTAN 452 or ITP 215)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17852D	001	Lecture-Lab	6:30-8:20pm	Mon, Wed	7 of 16	Scott Easley	SCIL113	PDF (477071 KB)

CTAN 301L: 3-D Character Performance Animation (3.0 units)

Advanced 3-D character animation with an emphasis on performance, lip-syncing, timing and execution. Prerequisite: CTAN 202L. Open only to juniors in Animation and Digital Arts.

Prerequisite: CTAN 202
Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Animation and Digital Arts
Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Junior

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17876D	001	Lecture-Lab	9:00-11:50am	Tuesday	18 of 20	Jason Reisig	SCB102
			9:00-11:50am	Thursday			SCB102

CTAN 320: Cinematography for Animators (2.0 units)

The basic cinematic principles for animation, and how to shoot storyboards for the best composition to serve the story.

Prerequisite: CTAN 452
Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Animation and Digital Arts

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17875R	001	Lecture	7:00-9:00pm	Thursday	6 of 12	Yong Duk Jhun	SCB102	PDF (1191539 MB)

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
17854R	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Tuesday	14 of 17	Tom Sito	SCB205	PDF (274832 KB)

CTAN 401a: Senior Project (4.0 units)

Understanding the requirements and relationships between theory and practice regarding the complexity of an animated film in idea and execution.

Prerequisite: CTAN 336
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
17873D	001	Lecture-Lab	9:00-11:50am	Tuesday	17 of 17	Eric Hanson	SCB207

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	15 of 15	John Mahoney	SCB101

CTAN 425: Studio Careers: Story to Screen (2.0 units)

Seminar featuring guest speakers from major animation studios to provide an overview of a feature animation pipeline from development to pre-production, production and post-production.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17923R	001	Lecture	6:30-8:20pm	Monday	10 of 14	Josh Staub	SCB205

CTAN 435: Story Art Development (2.0 units)

Using basic storyboarding techniques to develop a sense of character, plot, and continuity. Technical aspects of developing ideas into films.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17912R	001	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Tuesday	14 of 16	Sheila Sofian	SCB207

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
17862R	001	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Thursday	15 of 16	Elizabeth Brauer	SCB304
17865R	001	Lecture	10:00-12:50pm	Monday	16 of 16	Elizabeth Brauer	SCB304

CTAN 443L: Character Development for 3-D Animation and Games (2.0 units)

Development, modeling, and animation with an emphasis on character setup features: rigging, skeletons, deformers and scripting. Applying principles of traditional animation to 3-D character rig/puppet.

Prerequisite: 1 from (CTAN 452 or ITP 215)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17864R	001	Lecture-Lab	1:00-3:50pm	Wednesday	14 of 16	Maks Naporowski	SCB102
			9:00-11:50am	Friday			SCB102

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	Thursday	10 of 15	Elisabeth Mann	SCB205	PDF (266224 KB)

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

Instruction in methods for planning and executing a short animated film. Topics covered include storyboarding, visual development and production planning.

Prerequisite: CTAN 450A

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17880D	001	Lecture	4:00-5:50pm	Wednesday	7 of 8	Everett Lewis	RZC117

CTAN 451: History of Animation (2.0 units)

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

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17888R	001	Lecture	9:30-12:20pm	Friday	57 of 130	Christine Panushka	SCA108

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
17892D	001	Lecture-Lab	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	9 of 9	Dariush Derakhshani	SCAB134
17893R	001	Lecture-Lab	7:00-9:50pm	Thursday	11 of 15	Dariush Derakhshani	SCA356
			1:00-3:50pm	Friday			SCB102
17894R	001	Lecture-Lab	4:00-6:50pm	Monday	12 of 15	Marcel Valcarce	SCB102
			7:00-10:00pm	Wednesday			RZC117
17895R	001	Lecture-Lab	1:00-3:50pm	Tuesday	12 of 15	Maks Naporowski	SCB102
			4:00-6:50pm	Friday			SCB102
17896R	001	Lecture-Lab	4:00-6:50pm	Thursday	13 of 15	Maks Naporowski	SCB102
			9:00-11:50am	Friday			SCB102

CTAN 453: 3-D Animation for Motion Graphics (2.0 units)

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

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17902R	001	Lecture-Lab	7:00-9:50pm	Tuesday	13 of 15	Jordan Ariel	SCA356
			4:00-6:50pm	Friday			SCB102

CTAN 455L: Organic Modeling for Animation (2.0 units)

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

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17897R	001	Lecture-Lab	1:00-3:50pm	Thursday	12 of 16	John Mahoney	SCB102
			1:00-3:50pm	Friday			RZC117

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
17925R	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	15 of 15	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
17901R	001	Lecture-Lab	7:00-9:50pm	Friday	10 of 15	Maurice Bastian	RZC117
			4:00-6:50pm	Monday			RZC117

CTAN 464L: Digital Lighting and Rendering (2.0 units)

Concepts, tools and techniques used to create cinematic lighting and rendering in computer-generated imagery (CGI).

Prerequisite: 1 from (CTAN 452 or CTAN 462)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17909R	001	Lecture-Lab	4:00-6:50pm	Monday	9 of 15	Maurice Bastian	RZC117
			7:00-9:50pm	Thursday			RZC117

CTAN 466: Projection Mapping Design and Production (2.0 units)

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

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17911R	001	Lecture-Lab	9:00-11:50am	Monday	11 of 14	Jordan Halsey	RZC117	PDF (90059 KB)

CTAN 485L: Pipeline and Character Modeling for Animation (2.0 units)

Modeling and pipeline integration for 3-D animation props, sets and characters. Recommended preparation: Prior knowledge of Maya preferred.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17918R	001	Lecture-Lab	7:00-9:50pm	Tuesday	10 of 16	Marty Havran	ONLINE	PDF (371858 KB)

CTAN 496: Directed Studies (2.0 units, max 4)

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	6 of 8	Teresa Cheng	OFFICE

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

An in-depth exploration of aesthetics and techniques involved in the conceptualization, design and creation of virtual reality and stereoscopic imaging.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17916R	037	Lecture-Lab	9:00-11:50am	Wednesday	7 of 15	Eric Hanson	RZC117	PDF (829523 KB)
			10:00-12:50pm	Friday			RZC117

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	Monday	12 of 15	Tom Sito	SCB207	PDF (257855 KB)

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	7:00-8:50pm	Wednesday	41 of 60	Sheila Sofian	SCI108

CTAN 525: Gesture Movement for Animation (2.0 units)

The concepts of animation performance, body and facial gesture, and the emotional and psychological resonance through cinematic arts.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17935R	037	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Wednesday	6 of 14	Christine Panushka	SCB205

CTAN 544: Introduction to the Art of Animation (3.0 units)

Fundamentals of film, video and computer animation production. Orientation to assist students on determining future emphases and specialities. 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
17936D	037	Lecture-Lab	1:00-3:50pm	Tuesday	6 of 12	Elisabeth Mann,	SCB205	PDF (399460 KB)
			6:30-9:20pm	Friday		Karl Gnass	ONLINE

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
17952R	037	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Tuesday	12 of 15	Musa Brooker	SCB207

CTAN 555: Animation Design and Production (4.0 units)

Exploring creative strategies to designing form and content. Developing style and investigating multiple techniques, including live action and sound. Production of a 30-60 second work.

Prerequisite: CTAN 547
Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Animation and Digital Arts

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17955D	037	Lecture	9:30-12:20pm	Tue, Thu	14 of 16	Michael Patterson, Candace Reckinger	RZC117

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	13 of 15	John Brennan	RZC117
			4:00-6:50pm	Friday			RZC117

CTAN 577a: 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.

Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Animation and Digital Arts
Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Master Student
Note: The Friday afternoon class sessions will meet on 8/27, 9/24, 10/8, 10/29, and 12/3.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17954D	037	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Thursday	20 of 20	Eric Goldberg	ONLINE
			2:00-5:50pm	Friday			SCA108

CTAN 579: Expanded Animation (2.0 units)

Incorporation of traditional image making methods as well as digital and new media technologies to convey non-linear narratives over internal and external landscapes.

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

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17964D	037	Lecture	12:30-3:20pm	Monday	9 of 12	Kathy Smith	RZC117	PDF (433192 KB)
			7:00-9:50pm	Monday			RZC117

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
17981D	037	2.0	Lecture	7:00-8:50pm	Monday	12 of 15	Brandon Jeffords	SCB102	PDF (301267 KB)

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	1 of 10	Teresa Cheng	OFFICE

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

Credit on acceptance of Thesis.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17983D	037	Lecture-Lab	10:00-11:50am	Wednesday	9 of 9	Kathy Smith	SCB207
17986D	037	Lecture-Lab	10:00-11:50am	Wednesday	6 of 6	Jason Reisig	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
Design Fundamentals for Animation
17985D	037	2.0	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Tuesday	13 of 14	Moses Journey,	SCB102	PDF (1155071 MB)
				6:30-9:20pm	Friday		Karl Gnass	ONLINE
2-D Motion Graphics
17999R	037	2.0	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Thursday	9 of 12	Kendra Ryan	ONLINE

Information accurate as of March 10, 2022 2:00 pm.
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