Fall 2026 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 200g: The Rise of Digital Hollywood (4 units)
17960R
Comment: Satisfies the GE-A The Arts Category.
An overview of the evolution of computer graphics in modern media.
CTAN 432 : The World of Visual Effects (2 units)
Section Number: 17856R
Introduction to the expanding field of visual effects; topics include integration for cinematic storytelling and the study of digital productions employing the latest visual effects.
Minor Course: [3-D Animation in Cinematic Arts Minor]
CTAN 436 : Writing for Animation (2 units)
Section Number: 17865R
Workshop exploring concept and structure of long and short form animated films through practical writing exercises.
CTAN 452 : Introduction to 3-D Computer Animation (2 units, max 4 units)
Section Number: 17891D
Lecture and laboratory in computer animation: geometric modeling, motion specification, lighting, texture mapping, rendering, compositing, production techniques, systems for computer-synthesized animation.
Note the sections for Non-majors to register for are: 17891 or 17894 or 17895
D-Clearance is required.
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]
CTAN 465 : Digital Effects Animation (2 units)
Section Number: 17912D
All aspects of digital effects animation, including particles, dynamics, and fluids. Creating water, fire, explosions, and destruction in film.
Prerequisites: 1 from (CTAN 452 or CTAN 462)
Minor Course: [3-D Animation in Cinematic Arts Minor] [Cinematic Arts]
CTAN 497L : Procedural Animation (2 units)
Section Number: 17921D
Introduction to software packages and practices exploring current animation techniques that leverage simulation systems. Artificial intelligence as a tool for animation.
Prerequisite: CTAN 452
Minor Course: [3-D Animation in Cinematic Arts Minor]
CTAN 508 : CTAN 508 Compositing and the Art of Creating Visual Styles (2 units)
Section Number: 17925D
A comprehensive overview of compositing techniques to effectively create film looks in 3D/2D animations and visual effects.
Prerequisite: CTAN 452 or CTAN 462
Minor Course: [3-D Animation in Cinematic Arts Minor]
CTAN 509 : Environment Modeling (2 units)
Section Number: 17991D
Comment:
Create 3D models for environments for urban and natural settings and props including vehicles, rocks, trees and furniture.
Prerequisite: CTAN 452
Minor Course: [3-D Animation in Cinematic Arts Minor]
CTAN 510 : Inside Story: Creative Development for Animation (2 units)
Section Number: 17947D
A creative development workshop for animated pitch storytelling, supported by an introduction to character development and story structure fundamentals.
CTAN 543 : Fictional World Building in Animation (2 units)
Section Number: 17931D
Constructing a persuasive fictional animated world via narrative techniques, a fixed premise and a degree of believability supported by five fundamental visual design elements.
Minor Course: [3-D Animation in Cinematic Arts Minor]
CTAN 564L : Motion Capture Fundamentals (2 units)
Section Number: 17997D
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.
Minor Course: [3-D Animation in Cinematic Arts Minor] [Immersive Media] [Future Cinema]
CTAN 572 : 3-D Motion Graphic Design (2 units)
Section Number: 17999D
A creative 3-D motion graphics course focusing on animation technique, design and skills in Cinema 4-D.
Minor Course: [3-D Animation in Cinematic Arts Minor]
Industry Relations (CNTV):
FEATURED CLASS:
CNTV 440: The Business of Motion Pictures, TV, Animation, Video Games, and Interactive Entertainment (2 units)
17826R
Comment: Need to check if images are cleared
An in-depth analysis of the history, evolution, and current state of the motion picture, television, animation, video game, and interactive entertainment industries.
Minor Course: [Entertainment Industry]
FEATURED CLASS:
CNTV 475: How to Make (2 units)
17825R
Explores creating film and television projects, starting from the initial stages of sourcing material to the final stages of marketing and advertising.
Minor Course: [Cinematic Arts] [Entertainment Industry]
FEATURED CLASS:
CNTV 499: Digital Storytelling and Entrepreneurship (2 units)
17825R
Explores launching your media-driven entrepreneurial venture and creating storytelling narratives for brands, products, and media companies.
CNTV 375 : Breaking into the Entertainment Industry (2 units)
Section Number: 17827R
An overview of the entertainment industry and the tools needed to secure jobs and survive and succeed in the market.
Minor Course: [Digital Studies] [Entertainment Industry]
CNTV 472 : The Future of AI Media: From Workflows to Worldbuilding (2 units)
Section Number: 17829R
This course will delve into philosophical, business, ethical, and creative effects of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the entertainment industry and beyond.
Cinema & Media Studies:
FEATURED CLASS:
CTCS 190g: Introduction to Cinema (4 units)
18005R
Rated one of the top six USC classes you cannot afford to miss and fulfilling the GE-A requirement, this course teaches you how to understand moving image media. You'll explore the formal properties of cinema and their social context: narrative form, art direction and mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing, sound design, genre, style, and the production process - how movies are made, how they work their magic on us, and how the wider cultural, sociopolitical, and industrial environment of cinema shapes our perceptions of the world. A perennial favorite, CTCS 190 fills fast. Open to all majors. You must register for one lecture, Tuesdays 2-6pm or Wednesdays 10am-2pm) as well as a discussion section.
Minor Course: [Cinema-Television for the Health Professions (CNHP)] [Cinematic Arts] [Entertainment Industry]
FEATURED CLASS:
CTCS 465: Media Industry Symposium (2 units)
Coming This Fall! Sinners: Art and Industry, A Media Industry Symposium
The new Media Industry Symposium course brings filmmakers, creators, and scholars together in conversation around a particular text. Learn about the making of this groundbreaking film, nominated for more Academy Awards than any film in history.
Only 2-units! Wednesday evenings, 7-10pm
Prof. J.D. Connor
CTCS 466 : Theatrical Film Symposium (4 units)
Theatrical Film Symposium, taught by world-renowned film critic Leonard Maltin, brings you face-to-face with leading film directors, writers, producers, and actors working today. Each week, students watch sneak previews of upcoming movies, followed by exclusive Q&As with the creative teams behind the films.
Recent semester screenings included: Killers of the Flower Moon, The Killer, Fair Play, Bottoms, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3., John Wick: Chapter 4, Turning Red, Missing, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Babylon, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, The Woman King, Bros, Do Revenge, and The Fabelmans.
Guests in recent years have included: Emma Seligman, Rian Johnson, Rostam Batmanglij, Julia Cox, Erik Messerschmidt, Alexander Payne, Cord Jefferson, Sebastian Silva, Chad Stahelski, Kevin Feige, Stephen Williams, Kenya Barris, Damien Chazelle, Elvis Mitchell, Sanaa Lathan, Ryan Coogler, Chloé Zhao, Matt Reeves, Kogonada, Nicholas Britell, Stephen Chbosky, Robert Eggers, Alice Brooks
Professor: Leonard Maltin
Minor Course: [Cinematic Arts] [Entertainment Industry]
Interactive Media & Games Division:
CTIN 499 : Special Topics - Games Publishing (2 units)
Section Number: 18352R
Making a great game is only part of the equation, you also need to launch it. This course teaches publishing fundamentals, and by semester's end you will actually launch a game on Steam. Your education will come from industry experts and Ed Zobrist, the Head of Publishing who launched Fortnite. Whether you are doing it yourself or working with a marketing team, understanding principles of publishing is a key component of the game industry.
The Kevin Feige Division of Film & Television Production:
CTPR 404 : Practicum in Podcast Production (2 units)
Section Number: 18519
Comment: Limited seats are available.
The practice of video podcast production and the skills to develop, produce, record and post original episodes. Podcast formats vary by semester.
Minor Course: [Cinematic Arts]
CTPR 406 : Visual Story and Communication (2 units)
Section Number: 18520
Comment: Limited seats are available.
The course explores how visuals communicate emotions and ideas in streaming media, videos, theatrical films and television for scripted and documentary storytelling.
Minor Course: [Cinematic Arts]
CTPR 409 : Trojan Vision, Live Television Production - Game Show (2 units)
Section Number: 18527
Comment: Limited seats are available.
The practice of planning, producing and crewing for classic Trojan Vision television shows that live stream weekly from TV multicam studios.
Minor Course: [Cinematic Arts]
CTPR 409 : Trojan Vision, Live Television Production - Live Sports Talk Show (2 units)
Section Number: 18523
Comment: Limited seats are available.
The practice of planning, producing and crewing for classic Trojan Vision television shows that live stream weekly from TV multicam studios.
Minor Course: [Cinematic Arts]
CTPR 409 : Trojan Vision, Live Television Production - Making the Sports Documentary (2 units)
Section Number: 18528
Comment: Limited seats are available.
The practice of planning, producing and crewing for classic Trojan Vision television shows that live stream weekly from TV multicam studios.
Minor Course: [Cinematic Arts]
CTPR 409 : Trojan Vision, Live Television Production - The Morning Brew (2 units)
Section Number: 18530
Comment: Limited seats are available.
The practice of planning, producing and crewing for classic Trojan Vision television shows that live stream weekly from TV multicam studios.
Minor Course: [Cinematic Arts]
CTPR 409 : Trojan Vision, Live Television Production - Trojan Tank: Making USC's Version of Shark Tank (2 units)
Section Number: 18531
Comment: Limited seats are available.
The practice of planning, producing and crewing for classic Trojan Vision television shows that live stream weekly from TV multicam studios.
Minor Course: [Cinematic Arts]
John Wells Division of Writing for Screen & Television:
FEATURED CLASS:
CTWR 411: Television Script Analysis (2 units)
19205R
In this course, you’ll learn how to watch TV and read scripts like writers. By discussing and analyzing the greatest television scripts of our time, students will learn the inner mechanics of a television season, the characters who fuel them, the rules and how to break them, and will hear from the writers who craft them.
Taught by Adam Weissman, Adam is a television writer who worked on several primetime hour-long dramatic television series. His most notable works include being a producer on The Good Doctor and working on A Deadly Obsession.
Minor Course: [Screenwriting] [Cinematic Arts] [Entertainment Industry]
FEATURED CLASS:
CTWR 430: The G.O.A.T.S of Screen Comedy (2 units)
19409R
Who is the greatest comedy auteur of all time? Unlike consensus sports #1’s like Tom Brady or Serena Williams, it’s a lot harder to agree who is the funniest ever. In this class, we will take a deep dive into the influential and enduring writing, directing, and acting work of the best of the best - from Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and the Marx Brothers to Lucille Ball to the Brookes, Mel and Albert, to the perennially underappreciated Elaine May to a variety of the current masters: Larry David, Tina Fey, Dave Chapelle, and those cutups from South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone.
Screenings will include The General, Duck Soup, Young Frankenstein, Curb Your Enthusiasm, 30 Rock, and Team America among many more classics. Guests will include experts on, and colleagues of, the artists.
Taught by David Isaacs, he has contributed as a writer or producer in over eight hundred episodes of TV comedy. He’s worked as co-producer/creative consultant on M*A*S*H*, Cheers, Wings, Frasier, Becker, and Mad Men. His work won the Writers Guild of America Award three times for Cheers and Mad Men, and he received an Emmy for Fraiser.
Minor Course: [Comedy] [Screenwriting] [Entertainment Industry]
FEATURED CLASS:
CTWR 431: Writing Horror - Monsters, Madness, and the Unknown (2 units)
19350R
What makes a story horrifying and how do we define the horror genre? Why do some of our most visionary filmmakers make horror films and why do audiences reliably show up to see them? This course explores the horror genre not just as a tradition of shocking or grotesque imagery, but as a peculiar cinematic mode in which writers and audiences confront the unthinkable. It is a course about nightmares, how to write them, and why we love to scream.
Taught by Sean Hood, he has worked as a professional screenwriter for over two decades and is known for genre films such as Halloween: Resurrection and Conan the Barbarian. As a graduate of Brown University and USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, he teaches several advanced courses in screenwriting including analysis, rewriting, and thesis.
Minor Course: [Comedy] [Screenwriting] [Cinematic Arts] [Entertainment Industry]
CTWR 303g : From Page to Screen: Adapting Stories for Film and TV (4 units)
Section Number: 19152R
Comment: Counts for credit in: GE-A “The Arts”
An investigation into the choices TV and film writers make translating source material to your favorite series or feature film. Through lectures, special guests, and readings, we’ll examine how material changes and what liberties Hollywood takes in that process. Potential screenings/readings to include Hamilton, Watchmen, Little Women, Perks of Being a Wallflower, and others.
Taught by Beverly Neufeld, who worked in development and as a reader and screenplay consultant for over 6,000 scripts–spreading her industry knowledge to companies such as Slamdance Films, CAA, FOX, Gersh, Coverage Ink, The Page Competition, Roadmap Writers, and others.
Minor Course: [Screenwriting]
CTWR 403 : Writing the Narrative Podcast Series (2 units)
Section Number: 19163R
Develop and write an original narrative podcast with an emphasis on auditory storytelling. The final project will involve taking that podcast and creating a pitch for a television series or feature film.
Suggested Listening: Limetown, The Burned Photo, Blackout, Homecoming, The Bright Sessions, Welcome to Night Vale, Passenger List, Next Stop, Unwanted, Electric Easy, Alice Isn’t Dead, Edge of Sleep, The Left Right Game, and others.
Taught by Jeremy Novick, a graduate of the John Wells Division of Writing for Screen and Television. Jeremy has written for TV shows such as USA’s “Queen of the South,” as well as written, directed, and produced award-nominated narrative podcasts such as “Blackout,” “The Burned Photo,” and “Hum."
Minor Course: [Comedy] [Screenwriting]
CTWR 409 : Fundamentals of Screenwriting: Character, Conflict, and Story (4 units)
Comment: Counts for credit in CTWR-100g “Character, Conflict, and Catharsis” for major credit, not GE credit.
What’s your story? In CTWR 409, you’ll learn the nuances of writing Hollywood movies and television through small workshop-style classes in character, scene work, and story development. This course is the gateway class into the Screenwriting minor and, if accepted, will allow you to transfer into Year 2 in the BFA in Writing for Screen and Television degree.
All CTWR 409 instructors are professional Hollywood screenwriters. Across the multiple, a sampling of their credits include: Community, Malcolm in the Middle, Star Trek: Prodigy, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer, VeggieTales, The King of Fighters, The Simpsons, iCarly, Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous, Frasier, and others.
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: [Comedy] [Screenwriting] [Cinematic Arts]
CTWR 417 : Script Coverage and Story Analysis (2 units)
Learn to write coverage of feature-length screenplays and television pilots! In this course, you’ll learn the practical skills to make you an invaluable intern at any production company and how to get noticed for your expert script evaluation skills.
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: [Screenwriting] [Entertainment Industry]
CTWR 422 : Creating the Dramatic Television Series (2 units)
How do you create a world that can sustain several seasons of television? What makes High Potential different from Murder in a Small Town? The Pitt from Grey’s Anatomy? Summer I Turned Pretty from My Life with the Walter Boys? In television, your world is as much a character as your protagonist. You’ll develop multiple original pilot ideas across several dramas all leading up to an outline of your own television series!
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: [Screenwriting]
Media Arts + Practice Division:
FEATURED CLASS:
IML 499: DIY Music Videos: From Critique to Creation (4 units)
37454R
Comment: Special Topics Course
Examining the music video’s history of experimentation in emerging media forms, modes of storytelling, and social critique to help students create their own music videos. Using readily available tools and techniques, students will follow the entire process of identifying song/musician, ideation, scripting, storyboarding, shooting, and editing, culminating in an end-of-semester screening.
Minor Course: [Digital Studies] [Future Cinema] [Media and Social Change]
IML 104 : Introduction to Digital Studies (2 units)
Section Number: 37400R
An introduction to the expressive range of screen languages in their cultural, historical, and technological contexts.
Minor Course: [Digital Studies]
IML 456 : Nature, Design and Media (2 units)
Section Number: 37445R
Investigation of the impact of natural patterns on digital media design. Explores the relationships among chaos, harmony, beauty, proportion, spirituality, holistic systems and shaped experience.
This class offers three prompts for critical making: The Inner Eye, which invites you to explore the nature of self; The Shared Experience, which focuses on the potential for synergy with other sentient beings; and The Trades, which delves into our connections with larger systems, communities, or belief structures. You are free to work in any medium—whether film, sound design, performance, installation, interactive media, or transmedia—allowing for creative freedom and expression across diverse forms.
Minor Course: [Digital Studies] [Future Cinema]
IML 460 : AI and Creativity (4 units)
Section Number: 37447R
Hands-on exploration of the history, theory and uses of a broad range of AI-related tools for creative expression.
This class puts artists, filmmakers, and storytellers at the center of this converation about AI and our current existence within a world of data. We will dive into the major issues, hear from filmmakers both for and against AI, try out the tools, and see if we can think more expansively about the futures of entertainment, community, and culture.
Minor Course: [Digital Studies] [Future Cinema]
IML 475 : Media Arts Research Lab - Storytelling with AR Glasses and Wearable Media (4 units)
Section Number: 37452D
Comment: Media Arts Research Lab
A hands-on mentored research lab experience within the context of media art and in association with a real-world project.
In collaboration with a major AR wearables brand, this course will focus on the development of interactive multi-player story experiences for augmented reality glasses and wearable media. You will collaborate with students, faculty, and industry professionals to conduct research, ideate, develop, and playtest prototypes. We seek a wide range of skillsets, including AR and AI programming, 3D modeling, narrative design, UI/UX design, and a strong interest in XR technologies.
Minor Course: [Digital Studies] [Future Cinema]
IML 475 : Media Arts Research Lab - Curating Media Art: Theory and Practice (2 units)
Section Number: 37453R
Comment: Media Arts Research Lab
ONLINE
A hands-on mentored research lab experience within the context of media art and in association with a real-world project.
This course explores the critical, conceptual, and practical dimensions of exhibiting media-based artworks in contemporary contexts. Students engage with the history and theory of curating digital, interactive, and time-based media while developing hands-on skills in exhibition design, documentation, and audience engagement. By the end of the semester, students will conceptualize and propose their own media art exhibition.
Minor Course: [Digital Studies] [Future Cinema]
IML 520 : Non-Fiction Cinematic Practice I (2 units)
Section Number: 37465R
A graduate-level course for aspiring and intermediate filmmakers looking for a highly supportive space in which to develop their documentary skillset for use in creative and scholarly work. This class is great for students desiring guided practice, or for those already working on a project looking for structure to keep their process on track.
Note: this course counts towards a Graduate Certificate in Digital Media and Culture.
IML 575 : Graduate Media Arts Research Lab - PLANET JUNK: World Building and Narrative Design Systems for Media (2 units)
Section Number: 37476R
Comment: Graduate Media Arts Research Lab
A hands-on mentored graduate research lab experience within the context of media art and in association with a real-world project. In conjunction with the World Building Media Lab, students will imagine and co-create and distant-future world.
Note: this course counts towards a Graduate Certificate in Digital Media and Culture.
IML 575 : Graduate Media Arts Research Lab - Media, Machines, and Memoirs (4 units)
Section Number: 37475R
Comment: Graduate Media Arts Research Lab
A hands-on mentored graduate research lab experience within the context of media art and in association with a real-world project. Capture, reflect and interrogate your life experiences by creating mediated memoirs from your personal archives. Use auto-ethnographic strategies to coax machines, technologies and algorithms to relieve yourself of the “burden of memory” and live an examined life.
Note: this course counts towards a Graduate Certificate in Digital Media and Culture.
Minor Course: [Future Cinema]
IML 607 : Critique and Criticality (2 units)
Section Number: 37492R
Introduction to methods of critique, critiques of critique and alternatives to critique, with specific attention to interdisciplinary media-rich practices and works created by students.