Dr. Hector Amaya

Biography

Hector Amaya is a leading scholar in Communication at USC Annenberg, focusing on transnationalism, civic life, citizenship, and the impacts of globalization and technology on violence and public discourse. He has authored multiple books and published numerous articles addressing issues related to globalization, Latin American media, comparative media studies, and immigration, particularly within the scope of Latinx media studies. As a prominent figure in the academic community, Amaya has held leadership positions such as past chair of the Latina/o Communication Studies Division of the National Communication Association (NCA), as well as the La Raza Caucus and the Latino Caucus within the Society for Cinema and Media Studies. His recent work includes the forthcoming book “Trafficking: Narcoculture Mexico United States,” which explores the intersection of Mexico’s drug violence and new media technologies. Notable publications also include “Citizenship Excess: Latinas/os, Media Nation” and “Screening Cuba: Film Criticism and Political Performance during the Cold War.” Amaya began his education at the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana in Mexico City and obtained advanced degrees from the University of Calgary and the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to joining USC Annenberg, he served as a professor of media studies at the University of Virginia. Amaya is also affiliated with the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton.

Research Interests

Experience

Awards

Courses