Americans might love Cinco de Mayo, but few know its history
USC’s Kirby Farah notes that although many Americans without Mexican ancestry view the holiday as an excuse to drink margaritas, the actual legacy of Cinco de Mayo is a complicated one.
Students learn more than writing working alongside former prisoners
A special section of Writing 150 — a course required of freshmen — gives eye-opening perspectives to everyone in the class.
USC’s Enrique Martínez Celaya Explores the Ties Between Art, Science and Philosophy
The physicist turned artist crosses disciplines — and time periods — with his work.
For Horror Poet Saba Syed Razvi, Scary and Monstrous Tales Have an Irresistible Pull
A USC alumna reflects on her lifelong fascination with creepy mysteries and the darkness of language.
USC helps teachers from around the U.S. get rare access to colonial era history
The USC-Huntington Early Modern Studies Institute inspires 35 middle and high school teachers to teach students about the latest scholarship on the early American experience.
Stories from the Truly Free spotlights former inmates’ writing
Eight men mark a milestone — the publishing of their work crafted with help from mentors at USC’s Writing Program.
Hoose Library: Preserving A Timeless USC Landmark
From its priceless manuscripts to its unique architecture, the Hoose Library of Philosophy is a beloved USC landmark.
The Surprising Impact Happiness Has on Health, Relationships and Even the Economy
Researchers across disciplines at USC turn a scientific eye on happiness and its complex connection to our health, relationships and economy.
Philosophy underscores graduating senior’s drive to serve others
Vivek Shah will graduate from USC Dornsife with bachelor’s degrees in biochemistry and philosophy setting a foundation for his future in medicine.
USC president teaches the classics to spark passion for humanities
The great thinkers of ancient Athens were ahead of their time, say USC President C. L. Max Nikias and administrator Robin Romans, who teach a class on literary legends.
Viet Thanh Nguyen Wins Acclaim for Explorations of Identity and Displacement
The USC professor and Pulitzer Prize-winning author is named a 2017 MacArthur Fellow.
USC Poet Anna Journey Explores Her Darker Side
USC poet Anna Journey is unafraid to explore the quirky, creepy, scary and plain old peculiar.
In memoriam: Spanish literature scholar Paul Ilie, 84
The professor emeritus appreciated intellectual engagement and emphasized the importance of students finding their own critical voice.
Immersed in Irish culture, students learn why Gaelic language languishes
Half the world’s languages could disappear in a few decades, and USC Dornsife’s Tok Thompson is helping students figure out why — and what might be lost.
Jacob Soll takes on the finances of Greece — now, in Greek
The professor of history and accounting and USC President C. L. Max Nikias present Soll’s book to the prime minister of Greece.
Historic paper trail shows difficulty of governing from half a world away
USC researcher examines the British Empire’s bureaucracy through American and Indian colonial-era archives.
Artist Enrique Martínez Celaya named first Provost Professor of Humanities and Arts at USC
The poet, philosopher and scholar will lead conversations with students on artistic expression.
Age-old skills give USC classics students a big win over their contemporaries
What gave the Trojans a leg up in the Classics Olympia competition? Credit the Classics Department’s intimacy — especially small class sizes and student-faculty camaraderie.
Death takes center stage at Health Sciences Campus forum
USC medical librarian leads a lively discussion on a novel topic: What exactly is a ‘good death’?
Ancient Buddhist texts reveal shifting perspectives on women
USC scholar studies the ideal of gender roles within Buddhism, focusing on the women and religious texts of fifth-century China.
From quesadillas to pupusas: Students eat up Latino culture
USC Dornsife’s Sarah Portnoy teaches the Spanish language by tracing the culinary history of L.A.’s Grand Central Market.
Alumni help humanities majors bridge the gap from college to career
The leader of USC’s Career Pathways advises students to start early, making mixers, mentorship and elevator pitches part of their job strategy.
New Yorker cartoonist shares her story of caring for elderly parents
A book filled with hilarious and heartbreaking cartoons was Roz Chast’s way of processing what she learned about the end of life.
USC poet’s work conveys a passion for the macabre
Anna Journey takes a walk on the dark side in poems and essays about graveyards, infidelities and tattoos.