Comedy Minor

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The minor in comedy is designed to train students in the creation of comedic entertainment in film, television and new media.

Application Procedures

To apply to the minor in comedy, 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 404 Foundations of Comedy.

Applicants are required to submit the following materials: (1) Cinematic Arts departmental application, (2) curriculum vitae highlighting comedy experience, and (3) a personal statement of 250 words or less. Applications and admission information can be obtained from the USC School of Cinematic Arts, Writing for Screen and Television division, (213) 740-3303.

Course Requirements for the Minor

A total of 16 units is required to complete the comedy minor.

Required Course (2 Units)

CTWR 404 Foundations of Comedy Units: 2

Elective Courses (14 Units From The Following)

CTWR 324 Introduction to Half-Hour Television Writing Units: 2 *
CTWR 403 Writing the Narrative Podcast Series Units: 2
CTWR 407 Creating the Comedic Character Units: 2
CTWR 409 Fundamentals of Screenwriting: Character, Conflict and Story Units: 4
CTWR 430 Comedy Writers and Their Work Units: 2 max 6
CTWR 431 Screenwriters and Their Work Units: 2 max 6
CTWR 432 Television Writers and Their Work Units: 2 max 6
CTWR 434 Writing the Half-Hour Comedy Series Units: 2 max 6*
CTWR 437 Writing the Original Situation Comedy Pilot Units: 4 max 8*
CTWR 438 Linked Narrative Storytelling for the Web Units: 2, 4 max 8
CTWR 477 Staff Writing the Sketch Comedy Show Units: 2 max 6*
CTWR 487 Staff Writing the Multi-Camera Television Series Units: 4 max 8*
CTWR 497 Staff Writing the Single-Camera Half-Hour Series Units: 4 *
CTPR 371 Directing for Television Units: 4
CTPR 464 Directing the Television Sketch Comedy Show Units: 2 max 4
CTPR 476 Directing The Comedic Scene Units: 2
CTPR 484 Comedy Television Production Units: 4 max 8
*Prerequisite required
CTPR 491 Viral Comedy Units: 2

Note:

*Prerequisite required.

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.