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Animation (CTAN)
- http://cinema.usc.edu/animation
- D class assignments available; URL: https://cinema.usc.edu/studentaffairs/animation.cfm.
- Fall and Spring only: Animation CTAN class d-clearance request info: cinema.usc.edu/studentaffairs/animation.cfm Summer only: Animation CTAN class d-clearance request info: cinema.usc.edu/summer/index.cfm 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. 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.
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 | 11 of 11 | Luis Grane | SCB205 | PDF (621371 KB) |  |
Developing skills in design, composition, shape language, image-making, and visual thinking to create more sophisticated style frames and imagery for animation practice.
- Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Animation and Digital Arts
| Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17992D | 001 | Lecture-Lab | 7:00-9:50pm | Wednesday | 11 of 11 | Justin Parpan | SCB102 | |
Tools, skills and procedures used in animation production with a focus on professional execution of independent and collaborative productions. Prerequisite: CTAN 102. Open to sophomore animation majors only.
- Prerequisite: CTAN 102
- Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Sophomore
- Restriction: Registration open to the following school(s): School of Cinematic Arts
| Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17922D | 001 | Lecture-Lab | 7:00-9:50pm | Friday | 15 of 15 | Katie Smith | SCB102 | |
3-D animation performance utilizing preset rigs and virtual characters. Emphasis on timing, gesture, and performance.
- 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 | 7:00-9:50pm | Tuesday | 15 of 15 | Morgan Kelly | SCB102 | | |
| 4:00-6:50pm | Friday | SCB102 |
Emphasis on lateral thinking working across boundaries to find underlying principles in terms of ideation: the act of becoming an agent of ideas.
- Prerequisite: CTAN 301
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17855D | 001 | Lecture-Lab | 1:00-3:50pm | Tuesday | 16 of 16 | Josh Staub | SCB102 | PDF (265960 KB) | |
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 | Eric Hanson | SCB205 | |
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 | |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17858D | 001 | Lecture | 1:00-2:50pm | Monday | 16 of 16 | Josh Staub | SCB207 | PDF (284493 KB) | |
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 | 29 of 40 | Craig Barron | SCB104 | PDF (130646 KB) | |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17891R | 001 | Lecture-Lab | 7:00-9:50pm | Thursday | 15 of 16 | Dariush Derakhshani | RZC117 | | |
| 17892D | 001 | Lecture-Lab | 7:00-9:50pm | Tuesday | 11 of 11 | Dariush Derakhshani | SCA356 | | |
| 9:00-11:50am | Friday | RZC117 | |||||||
| 17894R | 001 | Lecture-Lab | 4:00-6:50pm | Monday | 16 of 16 | Marcel Valcarce | RZC117 | |
The fundamentals of lighting and rendering in real-time. Creating complex, compelling and dynamic scenes and manipulating them in real-time using Unreal Engine.
| Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17919R | 001 | Lecture | 4:00-6:50pm | Wednesday | 15 of 15 | Jordan Halsey | RZC117 | |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17900R | 001 | Lecture-Lab | 1:00-3:50pm | Friday | 15 of 16 | Maurice Bastian | RZC117 | |
Creating visual music animation in a variety of forms and styles. Exploring the relationship between music, movement, and visual expression. Freshmen and sophomores not eligible.
- Restriction: Registration closed to the following class level(s): Freshmen, Sophomore
| Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17906D | 001 | Lecture | 1:00-3:50pm | Friday | 14 of 14 | Michael Patterson | SCB102 | |
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 | 0 of 2 | Tom Sito | OFFICE | | |
| 17913D | 001 | Lecture | TBA | TBA | 0 of 2 | Candace Reckinger | OFFICE | | |
| 17914D | 001 | Lecture | TBA | TBA | 0 of 2 | Jason Reisig | OFFICE | | |
| 17915D | 001 | Lecture | TBA | TBA | 0 of 3 | Josh Staub | OFFICE | | |
| 17916D | 001 | Lecture | TBA | TBA | 0 of 2 | Eric Hanson | OFFICE | |
Introduction to software packages and practices exploring current animation techniques that leverage simulation systems. Artificial intelligence as a tool for animation.
- Prerequisite: CTAN 452
| Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17921R | 001 | Lecture-Lab | 9:00-11:50am | Wednesday | 14 of 14 | Jordan Halsey | RZC117 | |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17990R | 037 | Lecture-Lab | 9:00-11:50am | Tuesday | 12 of 15 | Eric Hanson | RZC117 | PDF (454606 KB) |  |
| 9:00-11:50am | Thursday | RZC117 |
The practical aspects of producing a 2-D animation series. Identifying and understanding the 2-D pipeline.
| Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17929R | 037 | Lecture | 7:00-8:50pm | Wednesday | 13 of 15 | Monica Mitchell | SCB207 | PDF (448478 KB) | |
Applying traditional principles to 3-D character animation in Maya, with a focus on character performance and acting.
- Prerequisite: CTAN 530 and CTAN 533
- 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 | 1:00-3:50pm | Wednesday | 11 of 11 | Jason Reisig | SCB102 | |
Constructing a persuasive fictional animated world via narrative techniques, a fixed premise and a degree of believability supported by five fundamental visual design elements.
| Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17931R | 037 | Lecture | 7:00-9:50pm | Friday | 14 of 15 | Jang Lee | SCB205 | PDF (224952 KB) | |
Production of an animation project from creative concept and design through completion.
- Prerequisite: CTAN 519
- 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 | 11 of 11 | Michael Patterson | SCB102 | |
Fundamental principles of motion capture technology explored while working through a structured series of assignments based around performance, gesture and motion.
| Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17997R | 037 | Lecture-Lab | 1:00-3:50pm | Tuesday | 15 of 15 | John Brennan | RZC117 | | |
| 4:00-6:50pm | Friday | RZC117 |
A creative 3-D motion graphics course focusing on animation technique, design and skills in Cinema 4-D.
| Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17999R | 037 | Lecture-Lab | 7:00-9:50pm | Monday | 13 of 16 | Moses Journey | SCB102 | |
Techniques and cinematic language employed in both live action and animation by cinematographers and layout artists to tell visual stories.
- Prerequisite: CTAN 586
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17923D | 037 | Lecture | 7:00-9:50pm | Thursday | 17 of 17 | Damon Obeirne | SCB102 | |
Research, development, and preparation of the concept, script, storyboards and preliminary designs for thesis projects to be executed in CTAN 594abz.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17972D | 037 | Lecture | 1:00-3:50pm | Wednesday | 17 of 17 | Candace Reckinger | SCB207 | |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17976R | 037 | 2.0 | Lecture | 1:00-3:50pm | Friday | 10 of 14 | Peter Chung | SCB207 | PDF (123237 KB) | |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17953D | 037 | Lecture | TBA | TBA | 0 of 2 | Tom Sito | OFFICE | | |
| 17984D | 037 | Lecture | TBA | TBA | 0 of 2 | Eric Hanson | OFFICE | | |
| 17985D | 037 | Lecture | TBA | TBA | 0 of 2 | Candace Reckinger | OFFICE | | |
| 17987D | 037 | Lecture | TBA | TBA | 2 of 3 | Jason Reisig | OFFICE | | |
| 17989D | 037 | Lecture | TBA | TBA | 0 of 2 | Josh Staub | OFFICE | |
Credit on acceptance of Thesis. Graded CR/NC.
- Prerequisite: CTAN 594a
| Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17983D | 037 | Lecture-Lab | 10:00-11:50am | Monday | 12 of 12 | Jason Reisig | SCB205 | |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environment Modeling | ||||||||||
| 17991R | 037 | 2.0 | Lecture | 7:00-9:50pm | Thursday | 13 of 15 | Jaewon Lee | SCA356 | PDF (397997 KB) | |