USC’s New Master of Arts in Specialized Journalism

USC Annenberg’s School of Journalism is now offering a nine-month master’s program in arts journalism, designed for aspiring art critics and art reporters. In conjunction with USC’s five art schools – architecture, cinematic arts, fine arts, theater and music – the curriculum will include digital media analysis, training for writing arts criticism and in-depth exposure to culturally diverse art.



Upromise Ups the Ante in Scholarship Funds

Upromise, the largest private source of college funding in America, is doubling their offerings for 2009. The Upromise Scholarship will award a total of $500,000 to 200 students, enabling twice as many students to pursue a higher education.

To be eligible, you must have at least a 3.0 GPA, a household income of less than $65,000 and be a member of Upromise, which is free to join online. Apply by Feb. 28 at upromise.com.



Experience and Experiment with Art at USC

Saturday, Jan. 31, the USC Arts and Humanities Initiative hosts “A Day of Hands-On Art Making” at multiple locations on campus. Learn how to tango, throw a pot, sing in a group or just hang out and play amidst the artsy folk. It’s free and open to everyone, but you have to RSVP for each interactive program at the Arts & Humanities Initiative Web site.



Erin Cosgrove’s Epic Animation

Cosgrove, a local artist, will have her first solo exhibit at UCLA’s Hammer Museum entitled What Manner of Person Art Thou? Her animated work depicts Yoder and Troyer, the only surviving members of two Amish-like colonies and their journey to find any remaining relatives. On their path they discover the evilness of modern society and vow to right the wrongs done by contemporaries.

The exhibit includes a darkly comedic video about the corruption of modernity and the hazards of morality. The exhibit runs Saturday, Jan. 31 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Check out her humorous, thought-provoking and cartoony collection.



Obama: A New Hope for Gays?

Legal and political analyst Susan Estrich hosts this lecture at USC Wednesday, Jan. 28 from 4 p.m.-5 p.m. in the first floor lounge of the Montgomery Ross Fisher Building. The question: What actions will Obama take in favor of the gay equality movement that is within his presidential authority and is politically strategic?

Estrich will discuss the controversy associated with Reverend Warren, the politics behind Obama’s gay rights advocacy (or lack thereof), the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy and the possibility of a fully inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Estrich, Fox News’ resident “liberal,” was the first woman to run a national presidential campaign.