Fall 2022

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	15 of 15	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	14 of 14	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	14 of 14	Katie Smith	SCB102	PDF (471378 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
17852R	001	Lecture-Lab	6:30-8:20pm	Mon, Wed	10 of 16	Caleb Bladh	SCIL113

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	20 of 20	Jason Reisig	SCB102
			9:00-11:50am	Thursday			SCB102

CTAN 305: Professionalism of Animation (2.0 units)

Understanding the business of the animation industry. Developing presentation skills for interviewing and pitching, preparing personal marketing tools, researching employment opportunities, and practicing networking techniques.

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

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17851D	001	Lecture	7:00-8:50pm	Wednesday	20 of 20	Monica Mitchell	SCB207	PDF (150901 KB)

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
17875D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:00pm	Thursday	15 of 15	Gary Lee	SCB102

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
17923D	001	Lecture	6:30-8:20pm	Monday	15 of 15	Josh Staub	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 15	Elizabeth Brauer	SCB304
17865R	001	Lecture	10:00-12:50pm	Monday	15 of 15	Elizabeth Brauer	SCB304

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	6 of 6	Everett Lewis	SCB207

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	59 of 130	Tom Sito	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 using Maya software.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17892R	001	Lecture-Lab	7:00-9:50pm	Tuesday	14 of 15	Dariush Derakhshani	SCAB134
			1:00-3:50pm	Friday			SCB102
17893D	001	Lecture-Lab	7:00-9:50pm	Thursday	14 of 14	Dariush Derakhshani	SCA356
17894R	001	Lecture-Lab	4:00-6:50pm	Monday	15 of 15	Marcel Valcarce	RZC117
			7:00-10:00pm	Wednesday			RZC117
17895R	001	Lecture-Lab	1:00-3:50pm	Tuesday	13 of 15	Maks Naporowski	SCB102
			4:00-6:50pm	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	14 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	15 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	Tapan Gandhi	SCB205

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	14 of 15	Maurice Bastian	RZC117
			4:00-6:50pm	Thursday			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	Thursday	8 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	12 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	15 of 16	Jaewon Lee	SCIL113	PDF (402969 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	5 of 8	Teresa Cheng	OFFICE

CTAN 499: Special Topics (2.0-4.0 units, max 8)

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

Section	Session	Units	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
Production Design for Animation
17915D	001	2.0	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Monday	13 of 16	Josh Staub	SCB102	PDF (265012 KB)

CTAN 500: Animation: The Art and the Industry (2.0 units)

Seminar on the growth and development of animation studios and how they became part of the Hollywood studio system.

• 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
17924D	037	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Monday	14 of 14	Tom Sito	SCB205

CTAN 504L: Creative Production in Virtual Reality (2.0 units)

A creative studio course in producing both a linear cinematic virtual reality short film and associated real-time immersive experience.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17922R	037	Lecture-Lab	1:00-3:50pm	Tuesday	13 of 14	Eric Hanson	RZC117	PDF (398737 KB)
			10:00-12:50pm	Friday			RZC117

CTAN 519: Design Fundamentals for Animation (3.0 units)

A creative design course for animators, combining visual design aesthetics with practical technique and software skill learning.

• 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
17926D	037	Lecture-Lab	7:00-9:50pm	Tuesday	16 of 16	Justin Parpan,	SCB102
			6:30-9:20pm	Friday		Karl Gnass	ONLINE

CTAN 530: Fundamentals of 2-D Animation (2.0 units)

Exploring techniques of classical hand-drawn character animation, with emphasis on performance, personality, and observation, specializing in classical Hollywood animation.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Animation and Digital Arts
• Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Master Student
• Note: Students are also required to attend five Graduate Diversity Lab sessions over the semester focused on building stronger, more diverse and equitable media communities. A list of session dates and times will be available on the first week of classes.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17938D	037	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Wednesday	17 of 19	Luis Grane	SCB205

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
• Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Master Student

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17955D	037	Lecture	9:30-12:20pm	Tue, Thu	14 of 14	Michael Patterson, Candace Reckinger	SCB205

CTAN 563: Advanced Character Animation Performance (2.0 units)

Advanced feature-quality techniques in 3-D character animation emphasizing acting, facial animation, lip-sync, body mechanics, blocking and polish with multiple characters over sequential shots.

• Prerequisite: 1 from (CTAN 301 or CTAN 535)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17956R	037	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Tuesday	7 of 10	Jason Figliozzi	SCB205

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

CTAN 571: 2-D Motion Graphics (2.0 units)

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

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
17958R	037	Lecture-Lab	4:00-6:50pm	Tuesday	12 of 15	Moses Journey	SCB102

CTAN 586: Animation Storyboarding Practicum (2.0 units)

Current storyboarding techniques for film and television animation, simulating a professional studio workflow. Emphasis on telling a story with pictures, not storyboarding tools or software.

• 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
17966D	037	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	14 of 14	Brandon Jeffords	SCB102	PDF (312089 KB)

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
17971R	037	2.0	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Wednesday	11 of 14	Gilbert Zimmerman	SCIL105

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.

• 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
17983D	037	Lecture-Lab	10:00-11:50am	Wednesday	6 of 10	Kathy Smith	SCB207
17986D	037	Lecture-Lab	10:00-11:50am	Wednesday	8 of 10	Jason Reisig	SCB205