Read these 11 books to better understand race and privilege in America
As protestors take to the streets, USC Dornsife faculty offer reading suggestions that provide historical and cultural background on the roots of American racism.
No virus can keep USC scholars from their books
Staff scan centuries-old gilded pages and send them to eager faculty and students from behind closed doors at USC Libraries.
Throughout American history, economic interests have trumped human life
A USC Dornsife historian revisits several moments when Americans had to choose between human health and making money, noting that the money usually wins out.
How are religious groups responding to the coronavirus pandemic?
As the faithful celebrate Passover and Easter from home, a USC expert on religion and media describes how spiritual institutions are adapting in response to COVID-19.
What did early Christian communities think about donating during crises?
Modern society could learn a thing or two from the generosity of early Christians, writes a USC Dornsife professor of religion.
How Arab Americans found identity and belonging in California
A new book from USC Dornsife’s Sarah Gualtieri counters a long-held stereotype of Arab Americans as outsiders, exploring how they were integrated into Southern California.
Now more than ever, talking about food means addressing global issues
The conversation around what we eat has grown to include issues of community, identity and food justice, especially in a global hub like L.A. USC Annenberg professors and alumni explain why.
Islamophobia in the U.S.: a long history of equating Muslims with terrorism
USC Dornsife scholar Evelyn Alsultany traces key moments in the spread of anti-Muslim sentiments across the United States.
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.