USC Dornsife News

Religion professor Jessica Zu discusses recent developments in Buddhism, some of the problems with the “mindfulness” movement and how Amish food is the best cure for homesickness. [3¾ min read]

After translating a diary written by a Buddhist priest who was interned with his family during World War II, USC Dornsife’s Duncan Williams became compelled to research how Buddhism was used by American government and army officials to mark Japanese Americans for internment and how the religion offered solace to those in the camps. [6 ½ min read]

Discover how we view angels through the lenses of history, physics, economics, art history — and more.

Rather than settling into retirement, alumnus Barry Shaffer is following his long career as a dentist with a new life as a successful photographer. His first major book of fine art photographs, "Echoes of Bhutan," debuted recently at Telluride.

Provost Postdoctoral Scholar Stephanie Balkwill studies the ideal of female-to-male sex change within Buddhism, focusing on the women and religious texts of 5th-century China.

Students in Lori Meeks’ Maymester class examine Buddhism’s ancient texts and visit local Buddhist communities.

New faculty member Duncan Williams brings his expertise in Japanese Buddhism to his roles as the director of the USC School of Religion and the founder and co-director of the USC Center for Japanese Religions and Culture.