Minor Programs
Minor in Cinema-Television
The minor in cinema-television combines an introduction to this exciting and influential field with a diversified set of classes in production, screenwriting, the film-television industry and critical studies. The curriculum is purposely flexible; students may choose to sample two or more different aspects of the world of cinema and television in their upper division class choices or to concentrate their upper division course work in an area of primary interest, such as production.
A student attending USC may apply to minor in cinema-television if he or she has a minimum GPA of 2.75 and is maintaining normal degree progress. Admissions are made for the fall and spring semesters.
Application Procedures
To be considered for admission to the cinema-television minor program, an applicant must submit the following materials: (1) CNTV departmental application, (2) academic records, including current USC transcripts, (3) personal statement, and (4) two letters of recommendation.
Applications and admission information can be obtained from the USC School of Cinema-Television, Office of Admission, Carson Television Center, Garden Level, Room G-130, or telephone (213) 740-2911 or online at www-cntv.usc.edu.
Course Requirements for the Minor
A total of 24 units is required for the minor in cinema-television, 8 in lower division courses and 16 in upper division courses.
Required Lower Division Courses (8 units)
Required Courses | Units |
CTCS 190* | Introduction to Cinema | 4 |
CTCS 191 | Introduction to Television and Video | 4 |
Upper Division Requirement (16 units)
A minimum of 16 units is required from the classes listed below. Courses may be taken from more than one category.
Critical Studies | Units |
CTCS 392 | History of the American Film, 1925-1950 | 4 |
CTCS 393 | History of the American Film, 1946-1975 | 4 |
CTCS 400 | Non-Fiction Film and Television | 4 |
CTCS 407 | African American Cinema | 4 |
CTCS 409 | Censorship in Cinema | 4 |
CTCS 464 | Film and/or Television Genres | 4 |
CTCS 469 | Film and/or Television Style Analysis | 4 |
Production | Units |
CTIN 483 | Programming for Interactivity | 4 |
CTPR 327 | Motion Picture Camera | 3 |
CTPR 335 | Motion Picture Editing | 3 |
CTPR 371 | Directing for Television | 4 |
CTPR 375 | Functions of a Director | 4 |
CTPR 385 | Colloquium: Motion Picture Production Techniques | 4 |
CTPR 422 | Makeup for Motion Pictures | 2 |
CTPR 423 | Introduction to Special Effects in Cinema | 2 |
CTPR 455 | Introduction to Production Design | 2 |
CTPR 456 | Introduction to Art Direction | 2 |
CTPR 470 | Practicum in On-Screen Direction of Actors | 4 |
Writing | Units |
CTWR 315x* | Filmwriting | 3 |
CTWR 412 | Introduction to Screenwriting | 2 |
CTWR 414 | The Screenplay | 2 |
CTWR 416 | Motion Picture Script Analysis | 4 |
CTWR 431 | Screenwriters and Their Work | 2 |
CTWR 494x* | Practicum in Screenplay Development | 2 |
The Film-Television Industry | Units |
CTPR 386 | Art and Industry of the Theatrical Film | 4 |
CTPR 410 | The Movie Business: From Story Concept to Exhibition | 2 |
CTPR 425 | Production Planning | 2 |
CTPR 460 | Film Business Procedures and Distribution | 2 |
CTPR 461 | Television Station Management | 2 |
CTCS 466 | Theatrical Film Symposium | 4 |
Grade Point Average Requirement
A minimum grade of C (2.0) in each course is required. A grade of C- (1.7) or lower does not fulfill a minor requirement.
Film, Video and Computer Animation Minor
The minor in animation offers students an introduction to the theory and practice of animation, including its relationship to the history of art and cinema, creative writing and basic film production. It provides students with an opportunity to create both personal and collaborative work in a wide range of genres, from traditional character to contemporary experimental and computer animation. This includes painting, cel, stop motion, collage, mixed media, 2- and 3-D computer animation software and interactive digital media. Successful completion of a final project is required.
Most students will enter the minor in animation program in their sophomore year at USC.
A student enrolled on the undergraduate level at USC may apply to minor in animation if he or she is maintaining normal degree progress and is not undergoing any type of departmental, academic or university disqualification.
Animation minor applications are reviewed by a panel of faculty members, with admissions made for the fall semester only. A maximum of 12 students will be admitted per year.
Application Procedures
To be considered for admission to the minor in animation, the applicant is required to submit the following materials: (1) CNTV departmental application, (2) academic records including current USC transcripts, (3) personal statement, (4) two letters of recommendation, and (5) portfolio (prints, slides, film and/or video). Applications and admission information can be obtained from the USC School of Cinema-Television, Animation and Digital Arts Program Office, Marcia Lucas Post-Production Building, Room 200, (213) 740-3986 or online at
www-cntv.usc.edu
Grade Point Average Requirement
A minimum grade of C (2.0) in each course is required. A grade of C- (1.7) or lower does not fulfill a minor requirement.
Course Requirements
The following courses are to be taken in a prescribed sequential order. Thirty-two units are required.
Courses | Units |
AHIS 120 | Foundations of Western Art | 4 |
AHIS 121 | Art and Society: Renaissance to Modern | 4 |
CTCS 190 | Introduction to Cinema | 4 |
CTPR 385 | Colloquium: Motion Picture Production Techniques | 4 |
CTAN 436 | Writing for Animation | 2 |
CTAN 448 | Introduction to Film Graphics–Animation | 4 |
CTAN 450abc | Animation Theory and Techniques | 2-2-2 |
CTAN 451 | History of Animation | 2 |
CTAN 452 | Introduction to Computer Animation | 2 |
Minor in Performing Arts Studies
The minor in Performing Arts provides an interdisciplinary inquiry into the nature and aesthetics of the performing arts. It combines the disciplines of cinema-television, dance, music and theatre. The minor is a unique course of study that looks at how the performing arts contribute to a culturally literate society. See the
School of Theatre for requirements.
Minor in 3-D Animation
The 3-D animation minor merges theoretical concepts and practical skills, to prepare students for a career in their major field of work with incorporation of 3-D animation and interactive technologies. Through integration of three major disciplines (cinema, fine arts and information technology), students gain a solid foundation in a wide range of important industry and academic skills. See the
Information Technology Program for course requirements.
Minor in Video Game Design and Management
The video game design minor integrates theoretical concepts and practical skills to prepare students for a career in interactive entertainment, specifically the video game industry. Through integration of two major disciplines (cinema and information technology), students will be exposed to a variety of design concepts related to creating video games. See the
Information Technology Program for course requirements. For specific information on admission and application procedures, contact the School of Cinema-TV at (213) 821-2515 or the Information Technology Program at (213) 740-4542.