[Including an explanation of courses?]

I hope this is the best place to post this...

I've heard from some students that it's a good idea to include an explanation of courses list as supplemental material to an application- I was curious if this is a good idea? Some of the course titles on my transcript are somewhat vague, and I don't feel they would give reviewers an idea of what the course covered.

[Production project for research experience?]

I'm currently working on applications to CS PhD programs. I do have a smidge of independent research with a CS professor; but as my degree deals more with using 3D programs such as Blender, I'm curious if I can mention my success in completing two animated shorts as some evidence I'd be well suited for research (and hence a PhD)?

For the productions I worked on, it was mostly individually directed, and I did have to figure out new methods of rendering, etc in order to complete the films.

Thanks!