Welcome to the Institute of Armenian Studies, a hub of research and learning at USC that studies the contemporary Armenian diaspora and Republic of Armenia.
California History Through Armenian Experiences
An oral history project that documents and highlights the diverse and intersecting histories of Armenian-Americans living in California.
Research & Scholarship
We conduct, foster, and make accessible cutting-edge research in Armenian Studies, offering new perspectives and insights.
Educational Excellence
We provide robust educational programs and mentorship that empower students and academics with Armenian Studies knowledge, producing the next generation of global scholars and leaders.
Public Engagement
We produce public-facing programming that provides opportunities for intellectual and cultural engagement, while building transnational connections to support and amplify Armenian Studies scholarship.
Collective Voices, Zine Dedicated to Artsakh
We’re excited to announce the publication of Collective Voices, a zine featuring original writing and art about Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). An experimental magazine, or “zine,” is a print media format that affords creativity in both content and presentation, unbound from traditional publishing structures.
The project originated at Artsakh Uprooted: Aftermaths of Displacement, the Institute’s multidisciplinary symposium in November 2024. In the spirit of that groundbreaking program, Collective Voices harnesses cultural production to amplify Armenian stories and experiences.
On Wednesday, April 30 at 6 PM, celebrate the launch of Collective Voices at the Institute. The program will include a conversation with the project team and readings of selected pieces from the publication.
The event is free and open to the public.
Armenian Studies Courses
The Institute offers students from all majors and backgrounds the opportunity to enroll in two interdisciplinary courses, MDA 330 and MDA 333, which focus on Armenian topics from global and diverse perspectives. Each course is offered once per semester, allowing students to deeply engage with the material. Click below to learn more about available courses at USC.
Tufenkian Travel Scholarship
The Tufenkian Travel Scholarship supports USC undergraduate students who wish to travel to the Republic of Armenia or elsewhere to pursue research in Armenian studies or engage in programs that will deepen their understanding of Armenia and the Armenian people.
The scholarship offers up to $4,000 to cover travel expenses, accommodations, meals, and other associated costs. Award recipients can use the scholarship to
- Travel to conduct research on any topic related to contemporary Armenian Studies broadly defined.
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Travel to participate in a variety of programs, such as conferences, courses, workshops, forums, internships, or any other meaningful activity that will enrich their understanding of the contemporary Armenian experience.
Deadline Extended: April 30, 2025
Language Therapy with Dr.K
Rolling into its fourth year of production, Language Therapy with Dr. K, hosted by sociolinguist and Institute Director Dr. Shushan Karapetian, is a podcast series that explores language in all its dimensions. Join Dr. K as she delves into conversation with leading scholars, educators, and practitioners about the unexpected ways that languages shape our world.
An intellectual space for scholars, educators, artists, and practitioners to critically debate the intensely relevant role of language in all social contexts – from the burdens of diasporic mother guilt, to myths about bilingualism, to post-colonial hybrid identities, to AI and much more.
From Our Studio
Scholars in conversation about topics that matter.
