Why Ada Limón is a U.S. poet laureate for the 21st century
USC Dornsife’s Amy Cannon considers the groundbreaking poet, who explores “what it looks like to have America in the room.”
The voice of the Gilded Age: Why we can’t get enough of Henry James
The works of the acclaimed 19th-century writer — considered one of the greatest novelists ever — have become staples in TV and movies. What explains their continuing appeal?
English professor charts out hidden love story between 2 iconic, early 20th-century women
The relationship between modernist authors Hilda Doolittle (known as “H.D.”) and Annie Winifred Ellerman (pen name “Bryher”) spanned two world wars, four decades and even a few marriages (to other people).
Let the ideas flow: Water has inspired the imagination since before the written word
It’s vital to human life and one of our deadliest foes. USC Dornsife experts look back at how water has helped get the creative juices flowing throughout the ages.
Alum creates the first poetry library in California, emphasizing works by poets of color
Hiram Sims opens the Sims Library of Poetry, a space for people from Inglewood and the rest of Los Angeles to read, write and create.
Thousands turn out for Festival of Books, with authors, music, health screenings and a pre-pandemic vibe
The crowds are big as the largest literary and cultural event in the nation returns to the USC University Park Campus after a two-year virtual break.
Luis J. Rodriguez, Reginald Dwayne Betts among winners of L.A. Times Book Prizes
The Book Prizes ceremony at USC’s Bovard Auditorium is a prologue to this weekend’s Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at USC, the nation’s largest literary and cultural festival.
Festival of Books returns to USC as an in-person event this weekend
Considered the largest literary and cultural festival in the nation, the event is expected to draw more than 150,000 attendees Saturday and Sunday.
Exploring identity, heartbreak, romance and sexuality — in a doctoral project
USC Dornsife creative writing PhD candidate Jean Chen Ho talks to Pulitzer Prize winner Viet Thanh Nguyen about her acclaimed first book, Fiona and Jane, and how her research into a violent event in L.A. history illuminates today’s spike in anti-Asian racism.
Acclaimed Greek writer Christos Ikonomou wins USC Dornsife’s inaugural Chowdhury Prize in Literature
The college’s Department of English, with the support of the Subir and Malina Chowdhury Foundation and in collaboration with Kenyon College and the Kenyon Review, will award the $20,000 prize during a gala at USC in April.
Why Dante and his Divine Comedy remain relevant 700 years after his death
Redemption. Romance. Body horror. USC scholars explore these concepts and other reasons why the medieval author and his master work resonate with modern readers.
One Mexican American’s Identity Struggle: Confronting Race and Belonging
Thoughts on speaking Spanish and passing as white all come out in a starkly honest Q&A with spoken word artist and USC alum David A. Romero.
9 books that offer inspiration and comfort at the end of a challenging 2020
USC English professors reflect on the books that soothed and uplifted them during a tumultuous year.
L.A. Times Festival of Books kicks off Sunday with compelling discussions — and the Trojan Marching Band
The festival — usually held on the USC University Park Campus — features more than two dozen online events over four weeks.
From the Italian Renaissance to the stars, an exciting approach to fulfilling GEs
Two new USC Dornsife general education courses offer students a richer, broader way to learn and to acquire diverse academic skills.
5 Things to Know about Poet Robin Coste Lewis
Get to know the award-winning poet laureate, theologian and USC writer in residence.
Five lessons on living an interesting life, from the wildly creative mind of Alfred Brown IV
The USC PhD student, punk band lead singer and published photographer shares his essential principles for creative fulfillment.
By rapping The Iliad, classics professor makes ancient literature relevant again
Brandon Bourgeois believes that, by translating the entirety of Homer’s The Iliad into rap lyrics, he can help students better appreciate the classic poem.
Authors and readers mingle at the 24th L.A. Times Festival of Books
The event — the largest literary and cultural festival in the nation — attracted more than 150,000 people.
USC hosts L.A. Times Festival of Books this weekend
Now in its ninth year on the USC University Park Campus, the largest literary and cultural festival in the nation is expected to draw more than 150,000 attendees.
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.
The books high school students should be reading, according to USC professors
Sure, everyone reads To Kill a Mockingbird, but faculty members from USC’s Department of English have updated suggestions for today’s teens.
USC hosts 23rd annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books this weekend
With 500 authors, celebrities, musicians, artists and chefs and more than 150,000 attendees, it’s the largest literary and cultural festival in the nation.
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.