Dr. Akira Lippit

Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. Akira Lippit. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

Akira Mizuta Lippit is a Professor in Comparative Literature and East Asian Languages and Cultures at the USC Dornsife College. He also holds the T.C. Wang Family Endowed Chair in the School of Cinematic Arts and serves as Vice Dean of Faculty. His research interests encompass World Cinemas, critical theory, Japanese film culture, experimental film and video, and visual studies. Lippit has authored several influential books, including 'Ex-Cinema: Theory of Experimental Film and Video' (2012), 'Atomic Light (Shadow Optics)' (2005), and 'Electric Animal: Rhetoric of Wildlife' (2000). His work reflects a commitment to the history and theory of cinema and a deep engagement with visual culture. Lippit's critical inquiries into Japanese film culture and experimental video have positioned him as a leading voice in contemporary cinema studies.

Research Interests

World Cinemas Critical Theory Japanese Film Culture Experimental Film and Video Visual Studies

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, or Hard Science
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letters of Recommendation (not required for MS CS, but allowed)
Specialization Notes

GRE is NOT required for Master's applicants for 2025-2026.