USC Dornsife News

Ellen Wayland-Smith’s new book traces the scandalous secret history behind a well-known brand’s rise from a 19th-century radical religious sect.

The alumna’s early involvement in the civil rights movement in the South led to a long career as an actress and eventually a writer. The 10th anniversary edition of her civil rights novel Freshwater Road comes out in April.

A USC Dornsife Writing Program instructor known for her wit and kindness, Phyllis Franzek played an important role in shaping and expanding the university’s writing curriculum over the course of 18 years.

Literary-inspired artwork by USC students transforms the Writing Center’s location — where students can receive free support for their writing — into an art gallery, too.

Alumnus Mark Darrah ’79 has made an undergraduate major in interdisciplinary studies the foundation for a career as a civil practice attorney, writer and public radio commentator.

Rob Paravonian ’91 took his creative writing skills onstage and built a career as a standup comedian and comedy writer, savoring the analytical side of his craft.

Slacktivism, lifehack, agender — linguist Edward Finegan comments on the social implications of words newly added to dictionary.com’s database.

The USC Dornsife Office of Communication receives top honors from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education for its publications, videos and innovative use of technology.

The Writing Program at USC Dornsife not only prepares undergraduates to seek advanced degrees, but for myriad careers from human rights work to law.