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 420 : Concept Design for Animation (2 units)
Section Number: 17917R
Comment: currently full - no seats av
Creating characters and environments for animation, live action, and video games.
CTAN 436 : Writing for Animation (2 units)
Section Number: 17862
Workshop exploring concept and structure of long and short form animated films through practical writing exercises.
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: 17895R
Comment: only a few seats left
Section Number: 17893R
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.
CTAN 455L : Organic Modeling for Animation (2 units)
Section Number: 17897R
The art of digital sculpting for animated characters, with visual effects integration. Recommended preparation: CTAN 452 or CTAN 462.
CTAN 462 : Visual Effects (2 units)
Section Number: 17900R
Comment: only 1 seat left
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.
CTAN 464L : Digital Lighting and Rendering (2 units)
Section Number: 17909R
Comment: currently full - no seats av
Concepts, tools and techniques used to create cinematic lighting and rendering in computer-generated imagery (CGI). Prerequisite: CTAN 452 or CTAN 462.
CTAN 466 : Projection Mapping Design and Production (2 units)
Section Number: 17911R
Comment: currently full - no seats av
An exploration of projection mapping with hands-on learning and projects providing professional skills and workflows for helping students create their own content.
CTAN 485L : Pipeline and Character Modeling for Animation (2 units)
Section Number: 17918R
Comment: only 1 seat left
Modeling and pipeline integration for 3-D animation props, sets and characters. Recommended preparation: Prior knowledge in Maya preferred.
CTAN 504L : Creative Production in Virtual Reality (2 units)
Section Number: 17990R
Comment: currently full & Cinema Lab Fee - Sp2024, $250.00
A creative studio course in producing both a linear cinematic virtual reality short film and associated real-time immersive experience.
CTAN 564L : Motion Capture Fundamentals (2 units)
Section Number: 17997R
Comment: currently full & has prereq & Cinema Lab Fee - Fa2024, $500.00
Fundamental principles of motion capture technology explored while working through a structured series of assignments based around performance, gesture and motion. Prerequisite: CTAN 452 or CTAN 462.
CTAN 571 : 2-D Motion Graphics (2 units)
Section Number: 17958R
Comment: currently full & has prereq & Cinema Lab Fee - Fa2024, $250.00
A creative 2-D motion graphics course covering animation technique, visual design aesthetics and software skills.
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: Check the schedule of classes for more details. This course may have 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]
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.
John Wells Division of Writing for Screen & Television:
CTWR 509 : Understanding the Process of Film Making (2 units)
Section Number: 19212R
An in-depth look at what it means to be a writer/director in the independent sphere. Through lectures and guests, we will cover the nuances of writing a script to get the attention of financiers, and the journey from production, post, and festival circuit. CTWR 509 is taught by Kerem Sanga, a writer/director whose credits include The Violent Heart, First Girl I Loved, The Young Kieslowski, and more. His films have been a part of the Tribeca Film Festival and Sundance Film Festival. He won the Sundance Audience Award for his film First Girl I Loved.