Fall 2025 Cinematic Arts Courses of Interest
Current USC students, please keep an eye out for emails about important dates and information sessions.
Every Semester, the School of Cinematic Arts offers a selction of courses available to all students at the University of Southern California. Any USC student with an interest in film, media studies, animation, screenwriting, game development, the entertainment industry or digital art can explore how cinematic art is made in one of these courses.
To register for courses go to USC Web Registration
View our Non-Major Frequently Asked Questions
View our Minor Frequently Asked Questions
*Please note that some of these courses will require D-Clearance. To learn more see http://cinema.usc.edu/studentaffairs/nonMajor.cfm
Animation & Digital Arts:
FEATURED CLASS:
CTAN 280: Intermediate Character Animation for Games (4 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.
Minor Course: [Themed Entertainment]
CTAN 451 : History of Animation (2 units)
Section Number: 17888R
In-depth survey of historical developments, styles, techniques, theory and criticism of animation as an art form.
Minor Course: [Game Design] [Game Studies] [Digital Studies]
CTAN 452 : Introduction to 3-D Computer Animation (2 units)
Section Number: 17892R
Comment: only a few seats left
Section Number: 17895R
Comment: only a few seats left
Section Number: 17893R
Comment: only a few seats left
Section Number: 17894R
Comment: only a few seats left
Lecture and laboratory in computer animation: geometric modeling, motion specification, lighting, texture mapping, rendering, compositing, production techniques, systems for computer-synthesized animation.
Industry Relations (CNTV):
FEATURED CLASS:
CNTV 375: Breaking into the Entertainment Industry (2 units)
17827R
Comment: currently full - no seats av
An overview of the entertainment industry and the tools needed to secure jobs and survive and succeed in the market.
Multiple Sections: This course has an additional lab or lecture section you may need to add.
Minor Course: [3-D Animation in Cinematic Arts Minor] [Documentary] [Game Animation] [Game Audio]
CNTV 499 : AI Magic: Revolutionizing Media and Workplace Creativity (2 units)
Section Number: 17829R
Section Number: 17829R
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Cinema & Media Studies:
Interactive Media & Games Division:
Division of Film & Television Production:
FEATURED CLASS:
CTPR 499: How They Made It - "Barbie" a Warner Bros. Movie (2 units)
Detailed investigation of new or emerging aspects of cinema and/or television; special subjects offered by visiting faculty; experimental subjects.
CTPR 410 : The Movie Business: From Story Concept to Exhibition (2 units)
Examination of the industry from story ideas, through script development, production and exhibition; evaluation of roles played by writers, agents, studio executives, marketing and publicity. Guest speakers and lectures discuss and cover the role of the writer, agent, studio executive, producer, director, as well as address the topics of marketing, publicity, and distribution.
John Wells Division of Writing for Screen & Television:
Media Arts + Practice Division:
Expanded Animation:
CTXA 410 : Audio Design for Animation and Immersive Media (2 units)
Experimental and traditional audio design practices for animation, culminating in an immersive audio project utilizing acoustic design, surround sound, and professional recording and editing tools.