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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 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 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 |
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 | 10 of 10 | Justin Parpan | SCB102 | |
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 | Thursday | 10 of 10 | Katie Smith | SCB207 | |
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.
| Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17852R | 001 | Lecture-Lab | 6:30-8:20pm | Mon, Wed | 22 of 24 | Cristian Thompson | SCAB120 | PDF (324766 KB) | |
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 | 15 of 15 | Jason Reisig | SCB102 | | |
| 9:00-11:50am | Thursday | SCB102 |
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 | 1:00-2:50pm | Wednesday | 15 of 15 | Nicole West | SCB205 | PDF (374555 KB) | |
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 | Michael Comfort | SCB102 | |
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 | 16 of 16 | Jordan Halsey | SCB207 | |
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 | SCB101 | |
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 | 9 of 9 | Josh Staub | SCB207 | |
Storytelling principles as they pertain to episodic and serialized animated television series and animated feature films.
- Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Animation and Digital Arts
| Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17874D | 001 | Lecture | 10:00-12:50pm | Monday | 10 of 10 | Abram Makowka | SCB304 | |
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 | | |
| 17893R | 001 | Lecture-Lab | 7:00-9:50pm | Friday | 8 of 15 | Maurice Bastian | RZC117 | | |
| 17894R | 001 | Lecture-Lab | 4:00-6:50pm | Monday | 14 of 15 | Marcel Valcarce | RZC117 | | |
| 17895R | 001 | Lecture-Lab | 1:00-3:50pm | Tuesday | 15 of 15 | Maurice Bastian | SCB102 | |
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 | 14 of 16 | John Mahoney | SCB102 | |
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 | 9:00-11:50am | Wednesday | 15 of 15 | Eric Hanson | RZC117 | PDF (526397 KB) | |
Concepts, tools and techniques used to create cinematic lighting and rendering in computer-generated imagery (CGI).
| Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17909R | 001 | Lecture-Lab | 7:00-9:50pm | Thursday | 14 of 16 | Alessandro Jacomini | RZC117 | PDF (276604 KB) | |
An exploration of animation for 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 | 15 of 15 | Jordan Halsey | RZC117 | |
Modeling and pipeline integration for 3-D animation props, sets and characters. Prior knowledge in Maya preferred.
- Prerequisite: CTAN 452
| Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17918R | 001 | Lecture-Lab | 7:00-9:50pm | Tuesday | 12 of 15 | Jaewon Lee | SCA356 | PDF (410277 KB) | |
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
- Note: Students are also required to attend two Graduate Diversity Lab sessions over the semester focused on building stronger, more diverse and equitable media communities. Dates and information about the sessions will be provided early in the semester.
| Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17924D | 037 | Lecture | 1:00-3:50pm | Wednesday | 9 of 9 | Tom Sito | SCB207 |  |
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 | 14 of 15 | Eric Hanson | RZC117 | PDF (454501 KB) |  |
| 10:00-12:50pm | Friday | RZC117 |
Overview of the global production, media and entertainment industries and fundamental business skills, with an emphasis on animation and the animation professional.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17921D | 037 | Lecture | 1:00-3:50pm | Tuesday | 11 of 11 | Sandra Rabins | SCB207 | |
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 | 9 of 9 | Justin Parpan, | SCB102 | | |
| 6:30-9:20pm | Friday | Ruben Hickman | SCB202 |
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
| Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17938D | 037 | Lecture | 7:00-9:50pm | Wednesday | 9 of 9 | Luis Grane | SCB205 | |
Foundations of computer animation: generating and editing movement, lighting, textures, rendering, creating and outputting full animated projects using Maya 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17954D | 037 | Lecture-Lab | 7:00-9:50pm | Thursday | 9 of 9 | Dariush Derakhshani | SCA356 | |
Design with an emphasis on storytelling through character design, environment design, moment paintings, color script and look of picture. Development of a project style guide.
| Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17950R | 037 | Lecture-Lab | 1:00-3:50pm | Monday | 10 of 14 | Josh Staub | SCB102 | PDF (272123 KB) | |
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 | 9:30-12:00pm | Tue, Thu | 11 of 11 | Michael Patterson | SCB205 | |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17997D | 037 | Lecture-Lab | 4:00-6:50pm | Tuesday | Canceled | | |||
| 4:00-6:50pm | Friday |
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 | 7:00-9:50pm | Wednesday | 14 of 15 | Moses Journey | RZC117 | |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17969D | 037 | Lecture | 7:00-9:50pm | Monday | 11 of 11 | Brandon Jeffords | SCB102 | PDF (337767 KB) | |
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 | 7:00-9:50pm | Thursday | 7 of 8 | Justin Copeland | SCB205 | PDF (994368 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17985D | 037 | Lecture | TBA | TBA | 2 of 2 | Jason Reisig | OFFICE | | |
| 17988D | 037 | Lecture | TBA | TBA | 0 of 2 | OFFICE | |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17986D | 037 | Lecture-Lab | 10:00-11:50am | Wednesday | 14 of 14 | Jason Reisig | SCB205 | |