USC Dornsife’s video library: A treasure trove of self-directed learning opportunities
Summer is the perfect time to relax, start a new hobby or learn something new. If you’ve been wanting to educate yourself on some interesting new subjects, these short lessons featuring professors and students at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences are a great place to start. The videos cover a wide range of topics about writing, math, science and history, and even though some are from our archives, the concepts remain fresh.
And for more fascinating videos, see USC Dornsife’s YouTube channel.
Hitler in Los Angeles: The Untold True Story
Dean’s Professor of History Steve Ross, Myron and Marian Casden Director of the Casden Institute for the Study of Jewish Role in American Life, shares the previously undiscovered story of the Nazis’ menacing reach into Southern California in the 1930s.
Tap the Past to Map the Future
Climate change is often studied through models that predict future changes. Sarah Feakins, professor of Earth sciences, and her team take a different approach by studying climate conditions millions of years ago.
How to Interview People for Their Life Stories
Watch as two USC students perform a mock interview using a crisis-situation as the given circumstances. They discuss the do’s and don’ts of interviewing and gathering an oral history, and they give tips on how to formulate open-ended questions.
Newton’s 3rd Law Explained with Skateboard, Rocket
In this video, Professor of Physics and Astronomy and Mathematics Nick Warner explains Newton’s Third Law to students and demonstrates the concept by conducting an experiment with a skateboard and make-shift rocket.
Leo Braudy on the History of Fear
University Professor Leo Braudy, professor of English, art history and history and Leo S. Bing Chair in English and American Literature, explores how monsters such as King Kong, Frankenstein and Dracula are projections of our own fears about the unknown.
Write a Great Essay!
Taking some time to write this summer? In this classroom discussion, Professor (Teaching) of Writing Mark Marino explains “the Topoi” method. These tools are attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle and can be helpful for developing your ideas in an essay.
Simplifying String Theory
What exactly is string theory? The concept sounds intimidating, but Professor of Physics and Astronomy Clifford Johnson breaks it down into simpler terms.
Measuring the Human Impact on Climate Change: The Hockey Stick Graph
How could a hockey stick and climate change be related? USC Dornsife climate scientist Julien Emile-Geay, associate professor of Earth sciences, explains the concept of the “hockey stick graph,” and shares his findings from climate change research.
Jet Age Aesthetic: Why Its Appeal Is So Enduring
The jet plane defined a new age at a critical moment in the mid-20th century and allowed people to imagine themselves living in the future, argues Vanessa Schwartz, professor of art and art history and director of USC Dornsife’s Visual Studies Research Institute.
What’s Knot Theory?
If you’re looking to brush up on some math skills, Professor of Mathematics Aaron Lauda offers a short introduction to Knot Theory, the study of mathematical knots.
5 Differences Between the Ancient and Modern Olympics
Did you know that ancient Olympians competed in the nude and Plato was a wrestler before he became a philosopher? Vincent Farenga, professor of classics and comparative literature, and Lucas Herchenroeder, associate professor (teaching) of classics, reveal more in this first episode of “Door to Dornsife,” which also features political science major and Olympian Tina Graudina.