Dr. John Pollini

Professor

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Biography

Professor John Pollini specializes in Classical Art Archaeology and Ancient History with a focus on Classical Philology and Epigraphy. He has a distinguished academic career, having served in various prestigious appointments including Chair of the Department of Art History at the University of Southern California and Dean of the School of Fine Arts. His extensive fieldwork includes excavations at key sites like Aphrodisias in Turkey and Ghiaccio Forte in Italy, and he has contributed significantly to underwater surveys in the port of Tarquinia. An advocate for interdisciplinary teaching and research, Pollini has published numerous articles and books, including works on Augustan art and ancient religion. His scholarly interests also encompass methodologies in classical art archaeology, with lectures delivered widely across the United States and internationally. Pollini's research has pioneered discussions on the interplay between ancient religion and visual culture, particularly in the context of political and ideological narratives in Roman society.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

1991-01-01 — Present

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Served as a Professor of Art History with joint appointments in the Department of History and the Department of Classics.

Chair

1990-01-01 — 1993-01-01

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Led the Department of Art History.

Associate Professor

1987-01-01 — 1991-01-01

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Held an associate professor position within both the Department of Art History and the Department of Classics.

Assistant Professor

1980-01-01 — 1987-01-01

Johns Hopkins University • Baltimore, MD

Served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Classics.

Curator

1980-01-01 — 1987-01-01

Johns Hopkins University Archaeological Museum • Baltimore, MD

Curated exhibits and contributed to museum scholarship.

Visiting Assistant Professor

1979-01-01 — 1980-01-01

Johns Hopkins University • Baltimore, MD

Acted as a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Classics.

Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow

1978-01-01 — 1979-01-01

Case Western Reserve University • Cleveland, OH

Engaged in postdoctoral research within the Department of Classics.

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.