James Bullock

Imagine showing up for a discussion about democracy and discovering that your guest speaker is a former U.S. president. That's what happened to about 50 USC students when Joe Biden surprised a study group at our USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future. There was plenty to talk about. And yes, there was ice cream. 🍦 dornsife.usc.edu/news/storie…

The dead are part of our everyday lives in greater numbers than you might imagine. 👻 Research by Emily Smith-Greenaway and Penn State's Ashton Verdery estimates that Black and white Americans have some 755 million ties to deceased close relatives, more than three times the number of living people in those populations. Those connections to the other side aren't just numbers. They represent people whose memories, relationships and influence remain woven into the lives of those they've left behind. dornsife.usc.edu/news/storie…

Where can a PhD in history take you? In Ryan Linkof's case, right across the street from where he earned it. At the new @lucasmuseum, the USC Dornsife alumnus (PhD ’11) is senior curator and head of film programs. Ryan credits his interdisciplinary studies with shaping his approach to visual storytelling, from prehistoric cave paintings to contemporary comics. Meet Ryan and take a look inside the museum. 🎬

Columbus Day is Monday. What do the explorer's own writings reveal about the man behind the holiday? More than 500 years later, those words reveal how deeply his religious ambitions were intertwined with the pursuit of wealth and conquest. Historian Peter Mancall explores what Columbus' own accounts tell us about his motivations and the lasting consequences of his voyages. dornsife.usc.edu/news/storie…

California’s billionaires could face a one-time 5% tax on their wealth. Would it raise billions for health care or cost the state revenue if some of its wealthiest residents leave? Two leading economists, Matthew Kahn (@mattkahn1966) of USC Dornsife and Emmanuel Saez of UC Berkeley, debate Prop. 40 on Oct. 13. Register to watch live: tinyurl.com/prop40debate

Prof. Andy Lakoff’s scholarship ranged from psychiatry and pharmaceuticals to pandemics and emergency preparedness. He had a remarkable gift for bringing people and ideas together across disciplines. We remember an influential scholar, generous mentor and colleague, and former USC Dornsife divisional dean who died in July at 56. dornsife.usc.edu/news/storie…

After nearly two decades in Congress, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters is returning to higher education. When his Senate term ends in January, he will become director of our @USCPolFuture, working alongside Republican strategist Mike Murphy. He succeeds founding director Robert Shrum, who will retire at the end of the year after eight years building the center and its commitment to civil dialogue across political differences. Sen. Peters plans to teach in LA and Washington and expand CPF’s presence in D.C., connecting students and faculty more directly with policymakers. Welcome to USC Dornsife, Sen. Peters. 🔗 dornsife.usc.edu/news/storie…