Fall 2026

VSRI 60th anniversary screening of ‘The Endless Summer’ [Aug 26]

The VSRI Endless Summer Research Group presents a 60th anniversary screening of the classic 1966 surf documentary, The Endless Summer, directed by Bruce Brown. The screening will take place on Wednesday, August 26, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. PST at the Michelle and Kevin Douglas IMAX Theatre at USC (3131 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007).

Back to School Lunch and VSGC Orientation [Aug 27]

Please join us to meet Visual Studies Graduate Certiϯcate faculty, connect with fellow graduate students, and learn more about our certiϯcate program! Questions? Email vsri@usc.edu.

VSRI Dinner with Director [Sept 10 and Sept 24]

Dinner with the Director offers USC graduate students an opportunity to connect with the VSRI community outside the classroom, meet fellow graduate students from across disciplines, and engage in conversation about their research, interests, and experiences in visual studies. Over dinner, students will have opportunity to dsicuss readings, exchange ideas, learn more about opportunities and programming within VSRI and the VSGC, and discuss the many ways visual studies can inform and enrich interdisciplinary graduate research.

VSRI CV and Grant Writing Workshop [Oct 03]

A workshop designed to help graduate students across diverse disciplines prepare successful applications for fellowships and positions. In the morning, graduate students at all stages are welcome to attend a discussion of strategies for preparing CVs and applications led by Vanessa R. Schwartz (Director of the VSGC and Professor of Art History and History).

Fall 2026

VSGC Core

VISS 501: Introduction to Visual Studies: Methods and Debates

Professor David Albertson

Click below for the course syllabus.

Contact risidoro@usc.edu or vsri@usc.edu with questions or for d-clearance.