JOHN C. HENCH ANIMATION & DIGITAL ARTS
cinema.usc.edu/Animation
dsigismondi@cinema.usc.edu
213.740.3986
Student Services and Media Arts Building (SCB) 210D
CTAN 200g The Rise of Digital Hollywood (4 units)
Description: An overview of the evolution of computer graphics in modern media.
CTAN 330 Animation Fundamentals (2 units)
Description: An introduction to the fundamentals of animation, covering such topics as timing, anticipation, reaction, overlapping action, and metamorphosis.
CTAN 420 Concept Design for Animation (2 units)
Description: Creating characters and environments for animation, live action, and video games.
CTAN 432 The World of Visual Effects (2 units)
Description: 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.
CTAN 436 Writing for Animation (2 units)
Description: Workshop exploring concept and structure of long and short form animated films through practical writing exercises.
CTAN 448 Introduction to Film Graphics – Animation (4 units)
Description: An introduction to methods for creating analog animation through experimentation with imagery, concepts and materials. Emphasis on basic timing principles and hands-on techniques.
CTAN 450a Animation Theory and Techniques (2 units)
Description: Methods for creating animation blending traditional techniques with contemporary technologies.
CTAN 452 Introduction to 3-D Computer Animation (2 units)
Description: Lecture and laboratory in computer animation: geometric modeling, motion specification, lighting, texture mapping, rendering, compositing, production techniques, systems for computer-synthesized animation.
CTAN 460 Character Design Workshop (2 units)
Description: The basics of character design for animation: anatomy, poses, facial expressions, silhouettes, and anthropomorphism. Development of a portfolio.
CTAN 462 Visual Effects (2 units)
Description: 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 465L Digital Effects Animation (2 units)
Description: All aspects of digital effects animation, including particles, dynamics, and fluids. Creating water, fire, explosions, and destruction in film. Prerequisite: CTAN 452 or CTAN 462.
Includes an introduction to the rich procedural capabilities of Houdini, the standard application used in the industry for effects animation. The course will encompass a series of hands-on exercises, so a prior basic working knowledge of Maya or other 3-D application is essential.
CTAN 470 Documentary Animation Production (2 units)
Description: Examination of the history, techniques, and methods of documentary animation production. Collaboration on a short film project.
CTAN 495 Visual Music (2 units)
Description: Experimental animation providing the opportunity to produce individual or group projects. Focus is non-conventional techniques for image creation and collaboration between composer and visual artist. Not open to freshmen and sophomores.
CTAN 497L Procedural Animation (2 units)
Description: Introduction to software packages and practices exploring current animation techniques that leverage simulation systems. Artificial intelligence as a tool for animation. Prerequisite: CTAN 452
CTAN 499 Special Topics Real-Time Animation (2 units)
Description: This class will focus on using Unreal Engine as a creative tool for visual storytelling and real-time rendering. The class will have an emphasis on the ease of which we can create complex, compelling and dynamic scenes and manipulate them in real-time making creative decisions instantaneous.
Recommended Preparation: Familiarity with any 3D application, a PC compatible computer or laptop with a Nvidia graphics card.
CTAN 502L Experiments in Immersive Design (2 units)
Description: An in-depth exploration of aesthetics and techniques involved in the conceptualization, design and creation of immersive media and stereoscopic imaging. (Duplicates credit in former CTAN 502a.)
CTAN 503 Storyboarding for Animation (2 units)
Description: Focus on film grammar, perspective, and layout, staging and acting as it relates to storyboarding for animation.
CTAN 508L Live Action Integration with Visual Effects (2 units)
Description: Survey of the digital techniques required to successfully marry live action shooting with CGI elements and green screen footage. Prerequisite: CTAN 462
CTAN 524 Contemporary Topics in Animation and Digital Arts (2 units)
Description: Explores the relationship of science, philosophy, and art to new forms of animation and digital media practice, with a focus on dreams and consciousness.
CTAN 536 Storytelling for Animation (2 units)
Description: Storytelling workshop for animators; application of dramatic techniques to visual concepts to derive three-dimensional stories which can serve as bases for finished films.
CTAN 550 Stop Motion Puppet and Set Design (2 units)
Description: Puppet and set design for stop motion animation while providing guidance on armature rigs that allow the character to be animated effectively.
CTAN 564L Motion Capture Fundamentals (2 units)
Description: 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 599 Special Topics 3D Motion Graphic Design (2 units)
Description:The focus of this class is on 3d motion graphic design and animation. The objective is that students learn to create well-designed work by combining visual communication and design thinking with software skill learning.
Recommended Preparation: Experience with Maya or Cinema 4D 3-D animation software.