Dornsife Dialogues: Recent Episodes
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Join us for stimulating online forums in which leading scholars and distinguished alumni from the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences share new perspectives, research-based findings and fresh insight on timely topics. The free events are open to the entire USC community and general public.
What can we expect from future variations of COVID-19? Will it have evolved to a less or more virulent strain — or strains? What’s the likelihood we’ll settle into an uneasy coexistence with it, just as we have with the flu? What are the latest scientific findings regarding the potential long-term consequences of COVID-19 infection?
The birth of the universe and two of the most spectacular gravitational extremes, the Big Bang and black holes, are the focus of this fascinating discussion by two of USC Dornsife's leading scholars.
Christmas is so popular that it’s celebrated by 85% of Americans and approximately 2 billion Christians and non-Christians in 160 countries. But what is the origin of this holiday and how is it uniquely celebrated by different cultures in the U.S. and around the world? Also, who was the real St. Nick and why is he associated with Christmas?
The use of technology in politics — from social media to smart phones to targeted internet advertising — has become more sophisticated and widespread. As its prevalence expands, so does the number of questions about its use and value, and its impact on politics and civil society.
Why do stories and experiences of the supernatural have such enduring appeal? How do perceptions of ghosts vary by culture and how have they changed as technology has evolved? From vampires to zombies, why do we love monsters so much?
In this spirited discussion, USC Dornsife scholars in the fields of English, history, anthropology, and religion discuss the answers to those questions and more, including the real origin of Halloween.
Listen as a panel of experts discuss the effort behind the recall, the history of other California governors, and whether or not this process is good for California.
USC Dornsife’s Richard Easterlin — the “father of happiness economics” — discusses the relationship between money and happiness.
USC has produced more Olympians, overall medalists, and gold medalists than any other U.S. university. But what has it been like to train during the pandemic, for this summer’s games? And what are some of the surprising ways in which the games of ancient Greece were different from the modern Olympics?
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed numerous inequalities in society -- what actions can be taken now to create a more level playing field for everyone? A panel of experts discuss proposed solutions and ideas for building a better society from the lessons we’ve learned.
After most Americans have been vaccinated for COVID-19, what are the many ways in which life, and our physical and mental health, will change? Learn from this engaging discussion among USC medical and psychology experts regarding the benefits and challenges of living in a post-pandemic world.
With the global balance of power in flux, to what degree should the United States try to maintain the post-World War II order? Should we try to remain the world’s dominant power and defender of democracy and free markets? Or is there another path forward, something in-between the America-first policy and the global superpower of the past?
USC Dornsife’s Viet Thanh Nguyen live in conversation with celebrated author and USC Dornsife alumnus Chris Abani. Nguyen just published The Committed, a sequel to his debut novel, The Sympathizer, which was a New York Times bestseller and Pulitzer Prize winner.
Poetry has always offered a safe harbor in times of cultural, social and personal crisis. In this video, some of the world’s most accomplished poets discuss how they -- and everyone -- can draw inspiration and strength from poetry to lead a richer life.
To achieve your goals, research shows you’ll be more successful by harnessing the power of habits rather than relying on willpower. The fascinating science of how we form habits, and how they can help us make the changes we seek, is the focus of Prof. Wendy Wood’s three decades of research. Author of Good Habits, Bad Habits and Provost Professor of Psychology and Business at the USC Dornsife. In this discussion, she shares tips on how you can improve your life through the power of habits.
More than 60 vaccines to prevent COVID-19 are in various stages of development, including 11 that are in the final stage of testing in humans, a few of which already show exceptional promise. While not all vaccines will necessarily succeed, we may well end up with several to choose from. Please join a multidisciplinary panel of USC experts who will help you navigate your way through not only COVID-19 vaccines but vaccines in general, including their long and often misunderstood history. Moderator Susan Forsburg, Distinguished Professor of Biological Sciences at USC Dornsife, will be joined by USC Dornsife faculty members Aro Velmet, assistant professor of history; Myron Goodman, professor of biological sciences and chemistry; and Alison Dundes Renteln, professor of political science, anthropology, public policy and law; as well as Paula Cannon, Distinguished Professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.