Lecture Series, Conferences and Political Practioners on Campus

 Lecture Series

Author Series. The Institute regularly highlights recently published works in the field of political science through an annual Author Series. Recent talks have included such authors as Nelson Polsby, Joe Mathews, and Laura Nader. Author Series discussions are held approximately once a month.

Distinguished Leadership Lecture Series. The Institute sponsors lectures by prominent public officials, advocates, and policymakers throughout the academic year.  These lectures can range from large-scale events for hundreds of students to smaller, more intimate events that allow students to have personal interaction with speakers.  These speakers have included Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Ralph Nader, Morris Dees, Jesse Jackson, Willie Brown, Jerry Brown, Diane Watson, Newt Gingrich and Kim Campbell. 

Human Rights Series. New to the Unruh Institute line-up, the goal of the Human Rights Series is to bring academic experts and activists to campus to educate the community and spur dialogue on a variety of issues facing the world. Speakers have included Jane Olson, Chair of Human Rights Watch Board and Jeanne Cabeza of Doctors Without Borders.

Women and Politics. Held monthly, this series features the contributions of women who work in the public arena and on political issues. Past speakers have included former Clinton administration appointee and cabinet member to Governor Gray Davis Aileen Adams, scholar Nevedita Menon, and California Secretary of State Debra Bowen.

Conferences

The Institute sponsors conferences on topics of current interest at which leaders in politics and public policy participate.  Past conferences have included the 40th Anniversary of the Unruh Civil Rights Act, Election Post Mortem (held every two years),  and a Symposium on the California Recall.

Most recently the Unruh Institute cosponsored a roundtable discussion with the United Nations on the new U.N. human rights treaty, the International Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities. This conference brought together scholars and policy-makers to present their critical reflections on the possible uses of the new treaty to inspire innovative curricula, policies and programs.

Political Practioners on Campus

The Institute provides funding to faculty who are interested in bringing guest speakers to their classes. Recent speakers have included Bill Lockyer, Civil Rights Activist Dolores Huerta, Former Assemblyperson Richard Katz, and State Senator Gloria Romero. 

Cosponsoring Events

The Unruh Institute provides funds to USC student organizations that coordinate programs for the campus community. Funding is intended for events that raise awareness of issues relevant to politics, civic engagement, policy topics, or social concerns. Our goal is to assist student organizations with funding, as well as to help with support and planning of events. Guidelines for applying for funding can be found:
funding_for_event_application.pdf