Dr. Josh Kun

Professor

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Biography

Josh Kun is an award-winning cultural historian, critic, and curator. He is a Professor at USC Annenberg and serves as the Chair of Cross-Cultural Communication and Vice Provost for Arts. A 2016 MacArthur Fellow, Kun specializes in the intersection of arts, culture, and politics with an emphasis on popular music. His research explores the connections between arts and music politics, particularly focusing on archives and global migration in Los Angeles. Kun has worked with several prominent institutions including the Getty Foundation, SFMOMA, and the Grammy Museum. He has led trilogy projects based on special collections resulting in celebrated books, exhibitions, and public programs. His writing has been featured in notable publications such as The New York Times and The New Yorker. He co-edits a book series with Duke University Press and serves on the editorial boards of several academic journals. Additionally, Kun co-curates the CALA Crossfade Lab and directs the Popular Music Project at the Norman Lear Center.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2010-01-01 — Present

USC Annenberg • Los Angeles, CA

Chair of Cross-Cultural Communication and Vice Provost for Arts.

Awards

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MacArthur Fellow

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Berlin Prize

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American Book Award

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.