School of Cinematic Arts
Minor and International Programs
Minor in Cinematic Arts
The minor in cinematic arts combines an introduction to this exciting and influential field with a diversified set of classes in critical studies, production, screenwriting, the entertainment industry, animation, and interactive media. The curriculum is purposely flexible; students may choose to sample different areas in their upper-division courses or emphasize a single primary interest, such as production.
To be eligible for the cinematic arts minor, a student must be in good academic standing and have a declared major. To declare the cinematic arts minor a student must submit a Change of Major/Minor form to Cinematic Arts Student Affairs, CTV G130.
Course Requirements for the Minor
A total of 20 units is required for the minor in cinematic arts, one 4-unit lower-division course and 16 upper-division units.
| Lower-Division Requirement | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| CTCS 190* | Introduction to Cinema, or | |
| CTCS 191 | Introduction to Television and Video | 4 |
| Upper-Division Requirement | units | |
|---|---|---|
| 8 units from the following: | ||
| CTAN 450abc | Animation Theory and Techniques | 2-2-2 |
| CTAN 451 | History of Animation | 2 |
| CTAN 462 | Visual Effects | 2 |
| CTCS 303 | Japanese Anime | 2 |
| CTCS 411 | Film, Television and Cultural Studies | 4 |
| CTCS 412 | Gender, Sexuality and Media | 4 |
| CTCS 464 | Film and/or Television Genres | 4 |
| CTCS 466 | Theatrical Film Symposium | 4 |
| CTCS 467 | Television Symposium | 4 |
| CTCS 469 | Film and/or Television Style Analysis | 4 |
| CTIN 482 | Designing Online Multiplayer Game Environments | 2 |
| CTPR 327 | Motion Picture Camera | 3 |
| CTPR 335 | Motion Picture Editing | 3 |
| CTPR 385 | Colloquium: Motion Picture Production Techniques | 4 |
| CTPR 409 | Practicum in Television Production | 2, 4 |
| CTPR 460 | Film Business Procedures and Distribution | 2, 4 |
| CTPR 461 | Managing Television Stations and Internet Media | 2 |
| CTPR 484 | Advanced Multi-Camera Television Workshop | 4 |
| CTWR 411 | Television Script Analysis | 2 |
| CTWR 412 | Introduction to Screenwriting | 2 |
| CTWR 416 | Motion Picture Script Analysis | 2 |
| Plus 8 additional upper-division units of Cinematic Arts electives. |
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.
Minor in Animation and Digital Arts
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.
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) Cinematic Arts departmental application, (2) academic records including current USC transcripts, (3) personal statement, (4) two letters of recommendation, and (5) portfolio (prints, slides, CD, DVD, film and/or video). Applications and admission information can be obtained from the USC School of Cinematic Arts, Animation and Digital Arts Program Office, (213) 740-3986 or online at cinema.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. Twenty-four units are required.
| Courses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 3-D Computer Animation | 2, max 4 |
| CTCS 190 | Introduction to Cinema | 4 |
| CTPR 385 | Colloquium: Motion Picture Production Techniques | 4 |
Minor in Science Visualization
The minor in science visualization offers an introduction to science visualization methodology and practice focused in an area of relevant research. The minor is structured to provide the skills and knowledge needed in science visualization, and will culminate in a capstone project under the close supervision of faculty in both animation and science. The program requires 16 units.
Most students will enter the minor in science visualization program in their sophomore year at USC.
Application Procedures
An undergraduate student at USC may apply to the minor in science visualization if he or she is in good standing and maintaining normal degree progress.
Students should apply after they have completed either CTAN 330 or CTAN 452 with a “B” or better in the course. A signature of support from the CTAN 330 or CTAN 452 professor is required. Applications and admission information can be obtained from the USC School of Cinematic Arts, Animation and Digital Arts Office SCB 210 (213) 740-3986.
Science visualization minor applications are reviewed by a panel of faculty members, with admissions made for the following fall semester only. A maximum of 12 students will be admitted per year.
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 the prescribed sequential order, starting with either CTAN 330 or CTAN 452 and finishing with CTAN 423L, the capstone class. Sixteen units of course work are required.
| Courses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| CTAN 330 | Animation Fundamentals, or | |
| CTAN 452 | Introduction to 3-D Computer Animation | 2 |
| FASC 436 | Art and Technology | 4 |
| Four units from the following list:* | ||
| CTAN 432 | The World of Visual Effects | 2 |
| CTAN 443L** | Character Development for 3-D Animation and Games | 2 |
| CTAN 450a | Animation Theory and Techniques | 2 |
| CTAN 452 | Introduction to 3-D Computer Animation | 2 |
| CTAN 455L | Organic Modeling for Animation | 2 |
| CTAN 462 | Visual Effects | 2 |
| CTAN 464L** | Digital Lighting and Rendering | 2 |
| CTAN 465** | Digital Effects Animation | 2 |
| IML 400 | Creative Coding for the Web | 4 |
| IML 420 | New Media for Social Change | 4 |
| IML 422 | Information Visualization | 4 |
| IML 466 | Digital Studies Symposium | 4 |
| Four units from the following list: | ||
| ANTH 300 | Evolution, Ecology, and Culture | 4 |
| ANTH 406 | Theory and Method in Biological Anthropology | 4 |
| ANTH 472 | Visual Techniques in Anthropology: Stills | 4 |
| AHIS 373 | History of Photography | 4 |
| AHIS 425 | Interdisciplinary Studies in Classical Art and Archaeology: Research and Methodology | 4 |
| AHIS 429 | Studies in Art, Science, and Technology | 4 |
| AHIS 477 | Studies in Visual and Material Culture | 4 |
| BISC 307L** | General Physiology | 4 |
| BISC 419** | Environmental Microbiology | 4 |
| BISC 427** | The Global Environment | 4 |
| BISC 483** | Geobiology and Astrobiology | 4 |
| ENGL 375 | Science Fiction | 4 |
| GEOL 425L | Data Analysis in the Earth and Environmental Sciences | 4 |
| GEOL 450L** | Geosystems | 4 |
| PSYC 420** | Animal Behavior | 4 |
| Two unit capstone course: | ||
| CTAN 423L | Principles of Digital Animation: Visualizing Science | 2 |
Minor in Digital Studies
The minor in Digital Studies explores the rich potential of digital media for critical analysis and creative discovery. Learning the exciting and dynamic potential of a broad array of tools and technologies, students create innovative projects, from photo essays to Web-based documentaries, from interactive videos to sophisticated Websites, and from typography in motion to 3-D visualizations. Elective courses explore media for social change, the ethics of virtual worlds, transmedia expression and more, allowing students to use media in pursuit of their own interests and to enhance their major.
All digital studies courses combine theory and practice in lab-based seminars featuring hands-on tutorials to support students in producing sophisticated media-rich work. Participants in this minor gain powerful skills useful in future endeavors within or beyond academia, where the ability to work effectively with media is a crucial job skill.
Course Requirements
A total of 22 units is required to complete the minor: 4 units of core lower-division IML course work, 14 units of upper-division IML course work and 4 units of upper-division elective course work. All minor courses must be taken for a letter grade.
| Course Requirements | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| IML 104 | Introduction to Digital Studies (2), and | |
| IML 140 | Workshop in Multimedia Authoring (2), or | |
| IML 201 | The Languages of Digital Media (4) | 4 |
| IML 310 | Professionalism for Media Arts | 2 |
| 12 units (minimum) from the following*: | ||
| IML 309 | Integrative Design for Mobile Devices | 4 |
| IML 340 | The Praxis of New Media: Digital Argument | 2, max 4 |
| IML 346 | Methods in Digital Research | 2 |
| IML 388 | Computational Thinking and Design | 4 |
| IML 400 | Creative Coding for the Web | 4 |
| IML 404 | Tactical Media | 4 |
| IML 420 | New Media for Social Change | 4, max 8 |
| IML 422 | Information Visualization | 4 |
| IML 450 | Critical Play and Documentary Games | 4 |
| IML 466 | Digital Studies Symposium | 4 |
| 4 units (minimum) from the following: | ||
| AHIS 429 | Studies in Art, Science, and Technology | 4 |
| ANTH 476 | Ethnographic Film Theory From an Historical Perspective | 4 |
| ARCH 432 | People, Places and Culture: Architecture of the Public Realm | 4 |
| COMM 306 | The Communication Revolution, Entertainment and the Arts | 4 |
| COMM 310 | Media and Society | 4 |
| COMM 339 | Communication Technology and Culture | 4 |
| COMM 411* | Communication Criticism | 4 |
| COMM 412 | Communication and Social Movements | 4 |
| COMM 422 | Legal Issues and New Media | 4 |
| COMM 440 | Music as Communication | 4 |
| COMM 450 | Visual Culture and Communication | 4 |
| COMM 455 | Advertising and Society | 4 |
| COMM 456* | Entertainment, Marketing and Culture | 4 |
| COMM 458* | Race and Ethnicity in Entertainment and the Arts | 4 |
| COMM 465 | Gender in Media Industries and Products | 4 |
| CTAN 330 | Animation Fundamentals | 2 |
| CTAN 432 | The World of Visual Effects | 2 |
| CTAN 448 | Introduction to Film Graphics — Animation | 4 |
| CTCS 400 | Non-Fiction Film and Television | 4 |
| CTCS 411 | Film, Television and Cultural Studies | 4 |
| CTCS 412 | Gender, Sexuality and Media | 4 |
| CTCS 478 | Culture, Technology and Communications | 4 |
| CTCS 482 | Transmedia Entertainment | 4 |
| CTIN 462 | Critical Theory and Analysis of Games | 4 |
| CTIN 483 | Introduction to Game Development | 4 |
| CTIN 488 | Game Design Workshop | 4 |
| CTPR 327 | Motion Picture Camera | 3 |
| CTPR 335 | Motion Picture Editing | 3 |
| CTPR 385 | Colloquium: Motion Picture Production Techniques | 4 |
| ENGL 392 | Visual and Popular Culture | 4 |
| FADN 332ab | Typography | 2-2 |
| FAIN 315 | Internet Studio: Online Experimentation and Expression | 4 |
| IOM 443 | The Business of Interactive Digital Media | 4 |
| IR 444 | Issues and Theories in Global Society | 4 |
| ITP 300x | Database Web Development | 3 |
| ITP 301x* | Interactive Web Development | 4 |
| ITP 404x* | Modern Technologies of Web Development | 3 |
| ITP 411x | Multimedia and Video Production | 3 |
| JOUR 330 | Photojournalism | 4 |
| JOUR 381 | Entertainment, Business and Media in Today’s Society | 4 |
| JOUR 405* | Non-Fiction Television | 4 |
| JOUR 420* | Advanced Photojournalism | 4 |
| JOUR 422 | Visual Journalism | 4 |
| MUSC 465 | Music, Television and American Culture | 4 |
| PAS 371 | Art in the Public Realm: Contemporary Issues | 4 |
| PHIL 446 | Aesthetics and the Film | 4 |
| REL 341 | Technology, Culture and Ethics | 4 |
| SOCI 365 | Visual Sociology of the City and Its Residents | 4 |
| THTR 403 | The Performing Arts | 4 |
| THTR 406 | Theatre on the Edge | 4 |
Minor in Game Design
Game design is the next great design field, and individuals of many professions and skill sets will benefit from understanding how to design for interactivity and new technology. The game design minor teaches basic iterative design and prototyping skills while providing students the opportunity to explore design for new technologies and the skills of user assessment and usability testing.
To be eligible for the game design minor, a student must be in good academic standing and have a declared major. To declare the game design minor a student must get permission from the Interactive Media Division (SCA 222) and submit a Change of Major/Minor form to Cinematic Arts Student Services (SCB 105).
Course Requirements for the Minor
A total of 24 units is required for the game design minor, 6 lower-division units and 18 upper-division units.
| Lower-Division Core (6 Units) | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| CTIN 101 | Fundamentals of Procedural Media | 2 |
| CTIN 190 | Introduction to Interactive Entertainment | 4 |
| Upper-Division Core (12 Units) | units | |
|---|---|---|
| CTIN 483 | Introduction to Game Development | 4 |
| CTIN 484* | Intermediate Game Development | 2 |
| CTIN 488 | Game Design Workshop | 4 |
| CTIN 489* | Intermediate Game Design Workshop | 2 |
| Electives (6 Additional Units) | units | |
|---|---|---|
| CTIN 401L | Interface Design for Games | 2 |
| CTIN 404L | Usability Testing for Games | 2 |
| CTIN 405L | Design and Technology for Mobile Experiences | 2 |
| CTIN 458 | Business and Management of Games | 2 |
| CTIN 464 | Game Studies Seminar | 2 |
| CTIN 482 | Designing Online Multiplayer Game Environments | 2 |
| CTIN 486 | Immersive Design Workshop | 2 |
| CTIN 491L | Advanced Game Project I | 4 |
| CTIN 492L | Experimental Game Topics | 4 |
| CTIN 493L** | Advanced Game Project II | 2 |
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.
Minor in Game Entrepreneurism
A minor for students interested in building a business in the games and digital media industry. Building on the business, production and management courses in the Interactive Media Division, this minor culminates in our advanced game project course and provides students with hands-on mentorship in starting actual companies based on the work they are doing in these concurrent classes. The minor provides a basis in theories of design and production for games, as well as a strong grounding in the business knowledge necessary to become an entrepreneur.
To be eligible for the game entrepreneurism minor, a student must be in good academic standing and have a declared major. To declare the game entrepreneurism minor a student must get permission from the Interactive Media Division (SCA 222), and submit a change of major/minor form to Cinematic Arts Student Services (SCB 105).
Course Requirements for the Minor
A minimum of 23 units is required for the game entrepreneurism minor, including 2 lower division units and a minimum of 17 upper division units.
| Lower-Division Core (2 Units) | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| CTIN 101 | Fundamentals of Procedural Media | 2 |
| Upper-Division Core (17–18 Units) | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| BAEP 450x | Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship (4), or | |
| BAEP 451 | The Management of New Enterprises (4), or | |
| BUAD 301 | Technical Entrepreneurship (3) | 3–4 |
| BAEP 452** | Feasibility Analysis | 4 |
| CTIN 458 | Business and Management of Games | 2 |
| CTIN 488 | Game Design Workshop | 4 |
| CTIN 491L | Advanced Game Project I | 4 |
| Electives (4 Additional Units) | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| BAEP 423 | Management of Small Businesses | 4 |
| BAEP 460 | Seminar in Entrepreneurship | 2 |
| BAEP 470 | The Entrepreneurial Mindset — Taking The Leap | 2 |
| CTIN 110 | Statistical Analysis for Games: Storytelling with Numbers | 4 |
| CTIN 404L | Usability Testing for Games | 2 |
| CTIN 405L | Design and Technology for Mobile Experiences | 2 |
| CTIN 459L** | Game Industry Workshop | 4 |
| CTIN 463 | Anatomy of a Game | 4 |
| CTIN 482 | Designing Online Multiplayer Game Environments | 2 |
| CTIN 486 | Immersive Design Workshop | 2 |
| CTIN 493L | Advanced Game Project II | 2 |
| CTIN 497ab* | Interactive Media Startup | 1-1 |
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.
Minor in Game Animation
To create animations for a game requires an understanding that visual art forms one part of a game system or algorithm, and even animation poses and rigging must often be thought of in terms of programming-like logic. The skills of the modern animator, visual effects artist, motion capture professional and many others are of great value in the games industry, but very few of these professionals have both training in visual artistry and the systemic thinking necessary for game design. This minor provides an educational path that teaches both systems thinking and the skills and creativity of an animator.
To be eligible for the game animation minor, a student must be in good academic standing and have a declared major. To declare the game animation minor a student must get permission from the Interactive Media Division (SCA 222) and submit a Change of Major/Minor form to Cinematic Arts Student Services (SCB 105).
Course Requirements for the Minor
A total of 24 units is required for the game animation minor, including a minimum of 16 upper-division units.
| Core Requirements | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| CTAN 451 | History of Animation, or | |
| CTIN 101 | Fundamentals of Procedural Media | 2 |
| CTAN 330 | Animation Fundamentals | 2 |
| CTAN 452 | Introduction to 3-D Computer Animation | 2 |
| CTAN 464L* | Digital Lighting and Rendering | 2 |
| CTIN 483 | Introduction to Game Development | 4 |
| CTIN 488 | Game Design Workshop | 4 |
| CTAN 432 | The World of Visual Effects, or | |
| CTIN 332 | Games for Animation | 2 |
| Electives (6 Additional Units) | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| CTAN 420 | Concept Design for Animation | 2 |
| CTAN 432** | The World of Visual Effects | 2 |
| CTAN 451** | History of Animation | 2 |
| CTAN 460 | Character Design Workshop | 2 |
| CTAN 462 | Visual Effects | 2 |
| CTAN 465L* | Digital Effects Animation | 2 |
| CTAN 564L*+ | Motion Capture Fundamentals | 2 |
| CTAN 565L*+ | Motion Capture Performance | 2 |
| CTIN 101** | Fundamentals of Procedural Media | 2 |
| CTIN 190 | Introduction to Interactive Entertainment | 4 |
| CTIN 332** | Games for Animation | 2 |
| CTIN 484L*** | Intermediate Game Development | 2 |
| CTIN 489*** | Intermediate Game Design Workshop | 2 |
| CTIN 491L | Advanced Game Project I | 4 |
| CTIN 493L* | Advanced Game Project II | 2 |
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.
Minor in Game Audio
To implement audio into a game requires an understanding that audio forms one part of a game system or algorithm, and even composition must often be thought of in terms of programming-like logic. Game audio professionals must not only be competent in one area (e.g., expressly in music composing, or in audio recording), but in other areas of audio as well. This minor provides a grounding in game design and systems thinking, while providing a theoretical backing and skills in audio design and composition to prepare students to design successful audio for the games industry.
To be eligible for the game audio minor, a student must be in good academic standing and have a declared major. To declare the game audio minor a student must get permission from the Interactive Media Division (SCA 222) and submit a Change of Major/Minor form to Cinematic Arts Student Services (SCB 105).
Course Requirements for the Minor
A minimum of 24 units is required for the game audio minor, 6 lower-division units and a minimum of 16 upper-division units.
| Lower-Division Core Units (6 Units) | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| CTIN 101 | Fundamentals of Procedural Media | 2 |
| MUIN 277x | Introduction to Music Technology | 4 |
| Upper-Division Core Units (12 Units) | units | |
|---|---|---|
| CTIN 406L | Sound Design for Games | 2 |
| CTIN 444 | Audio Expression | 2 |
| CTIN 488 | Game Design Workshop | 4 |
| CTIN 491L | Advanced Game Project I | 4 |
| Electives (Minimum 6 Additional Units, at least 4 Upper-Division) | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| CTIN 483 | Introduction to Game Development | 4 |
| CTIN 484L* | Intermediate Game Development | 2 |
| CTIN 486 | Immersive Design Workshop | 2 |
| CTIN 489* | Intermediate Game Design Workshop | 2 |
| CTIN 492L | Experimental Game Topics | 4 |
| CTIN 493L** | Advanced Game Project II | 2 |
| CTPR 473 | Directing the Composer | 2 |
| MTEC 310 | Computer Recording for the Performing Musician | 2 |
| MUCO 221a | Composition for Non-Majors | 2 |
| MUEA 474a | Electronic Synthesizer Techniques | 2 |
| MUIN 305 | MIDI and Computer Music Production | 4 |
| MUIN 446a | Computer Assisted Recording and Editing | 2 |
| MUIN 478** | Advanced Multichannel Remix | 2 |
| THTR 336 | Introduction to Sound Design | 3 |
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.
Minor in Screenwriting
The minor in screenwriting is designed to train students in the creatively challenging field of writing for screen and television. Students learn the fundamentals of writing for film and television with the opportunity to specialize in writing feature length screenplays, teleplays in both drama and comedy, or analysis of the craft of screenwriting.
Application Procedures
To apply to the minor in screenwriting, a student must be in good academic standing, have a declared major, and be currently enrolled in or have completed with a passing grade CTWR 412 Introduction to Screenwriting.
Applications and information can be obtained at the Writing Division office, SCA 335, (213) 740-3303 and online at cinema.usc.edu.
Course Requirements for the Minor
The minor in screenwriting is a specialized course of study for students who desire a solid foundation in the craft of screenwriting. A total of 16 units is required to complete the screenwriting minor, 8 units from four fundamental courses and 8 units of electives.
| Fundamentals and Feature Development (8 units) | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| CTWR 321 | Introduction to Television Writing | 2 |
| CTWR 412 | Introduction to Screenwriting | 2 |
| CTWR 415a | Advanced Writing | 2 |
| CTWR 416 | Motion Picture Script Analysis | 2 |
| 8 | ||
| Additional Electives (8 units) | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| CTWR 404 | Foundations of Comedy | 2 |
| CTWR 410L | Character Development and Storytelling for Games | 4 |
| CTWR 411 | Television Script Analysis | 2 |
| CTWR 415b | Advanced Writing | 4 |
| CTWR 417 | Script Coverage and Story Analysis | 2 |
| CTWR 421 | Writing the Hour-Long Dramatic Series | 2, max 4 |
| CTWR 422 | Creating the Dramatic Television Series | 2, max 4 |
| CTWR 430 | The Writer in American Cinema and Television | 2 |
| CTWR 431 | Screenwriters and Their Work | 2, max 6 |
| CTWR 433 | Adaptations: Transferring Existing Work to the Screen | 2 |
| CTWR 434 | Writing the Half-Hour Comedy Series | 2, max 6 |
| CTWR 435 | Writing for Film and Television Genres | 2–4, max 8 |
| CTWR 437 | Writing the Original Situation Comedy Pilot | 4, max 8 |
| CTWR 439 | Writing the Original Dramatic Series Pilot | 4, max 8 |
| CTWR 441 | Writing Workshop in Creativity and Imagination | 2 |
| CTWR 453 | Advanced Feature Rewriting | 4 |
| CTWR 459ab | Entertainment Industry Seminar | 2-2 |
| CTWR 468 | Screenwriting in Collaboration | 4, max 8 |
| CTWR 499 | Special Topics | 2–4, max 8 |
Grade Point Averages
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.
Graduate Courses
Students may not apply more than 16 units of graduate level course work toward their university degree.
Minor in Cinema-Television for the Health Professions
This 24-unit minor is designed for students who plan to enter careers or professional programs in medicine after graduation and are interested in working with film and television producers to disseminate accurate health information to the public. See the Keck School of Medicine of USC for course requirements.
Minor in 2-D Art for Games
This interdisciplinary minor integrates three major disciplines (fine arts, computer science and interactive media) to develop the 2-D visual skills necessary to conceptualize and illustrate images for games. For more information, see USC Roski School of Art and Design.
Minor in 3-D Art for Games
The focus of the 3-D Art for Games minor is a trans-disciplinary approach that incorporates the creative, technological and team-based communication skills necessary to develop 3-D art skills for video games. For more information, see USC Roski School of Art and Design.
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 (cinematic arts, 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 (cinematic arts 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 Cinematic Arts at (213) 821-2515 or the Information Technology Program at (213) 740-4542.
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 cinematic arts, 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 USC School of Dramatic Arts for requirements.
International Programs
Animation and Digital Arts
John C. Hench Animation and Digital Arts offers a fall semester abroad at Studio Art Centers International (SACI) in Florence, Italy. B.A. students will be required to take equivalent classes in animation and digital media while also benefiting from the wide range of liberal arts courses offered at SACI.
Global Exchange Workshop
“Documenting the Global City: Los Angeles and Beijing,” is an intensive, seven-week workshop in documentary filming that pairs graduate students from the USC School of Cinematic Arts and the Communication University of China (CUC) to make short documentaries on Los Angeles or Beijing as global cities. The program is held in Los Angeles or Beijing in alternate years. It is being held in Los Angeles in Summer 2013 and is planned to be held in Beijing in summer 2014. Participating students enroll in CTPR 515 Global Exchange Workshop (2 units).
With faculty guidance from both universities, the students must negotiate cultural differences both in front of and behind the camera. In the process, both students and faculty directly experience the other culture and learn how it defines globalism in general, sees its own city in global terms, combines theory and practice, and processes a new set of perceptions and lived experience.
Interested students should contact Professor Mark Harris of the division of Film and Video Production at (213) 740-3319, or at mharris@cinema.usc.edu. Airfare to China and lodging expenses in Beijing are provided for all students accepted into the course.