How language evolves — and ‘they’ became the word of the decade
Language changes as culture changes, and in the 2010s pronouns were the words on center stage. A doctoral student in linguistics at USC Dornsife examines how that came to be.
Revisiting the 1969 storm that defined California surfing
In 1969, an El Nino storm pounded the coast of California, producing epic waves and a legendary winter of surf. USC Dornsife experts weigh in on the past — and future — of surfing in the Golden State.
In Mexico, USC Students Find Connections to Cities Lost to Time
Each summer, USC archaeology students travel to Mexico and follow in the footsteps of history.
Teacher bias devalues math skills of girls and students of color, USC research finds
According to the study, white teachers and teachers of color showed implicit biases toward white-sounding names and boys over girls.
Writing Unites USC Students and Ex-Prisoners Seeking a Better Life
Released prisoners share their stories while USC students write their own in an unusual partnership that has changed lives.
Untold Los Angeles Stories Come Alive in K-12 Classrooms
USC Libraries brings diverse communities to light through the Lost LA Curriculum Project.
Cringing at How Teens Talk? Surprise — Language Changes
From gender-neutral words to textspeak, language often has undergone controversial shifts — and no amount of grumbling can stop it.
5 Things to Know about Poet Robin Coste Lewis
Get to know the award-winning poet laureate, theologian and USC writer in residence.
50 years ago, Native Americans raised awareness by reclaiming Alcatraz
USC Dornsife historians examine the Nov. 20 occupation of Alcatraz Island, which kicked off nearly two years of protest that would shape Native American land rights activism.
The forgotten mass destruction of Jewish homes during ‘Kristallnacht’
USC Dornsife research reveals more about the damage caused to Jewish homes during an infamous night of violence in Nazi Germany.
How Day of the Dead went from Aztec goddess worship to modern Mexican celebration
A lecturer from USC Dornsife chronicles how Mexico’s famous holiday — originally a lively commemoration of the departed — has evolved into a three-day party, and how it’s very different from Halloween.
Best-Selling Author Deborah Harkness Writes Fantasy with a Historian’s Eye
The creator of A Discovery of Witches looks back at her “overnight success” that took a decade.
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.