Dr. Kara Keeling

Associate Professor

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Biography

Kara Keeling is an Associate Professor in the Division of Cinema and Media Studies within the School of Cinematic Arts and the Department of American Studies and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California. Her research interests center around African American film, critical theory, and cultural studies, exploring themes of race, sexuality, and gender in cinema. Her current research investigates temporality, media representation, and black queer cultural politics, while also delving into the implications of digital media and globalization. Keeling is the author of "Witch's Flight: Cinematic, Black Femme" and has contributed to various scholarly publications, highlighting the intersections of media studies and cultural critique. She has held academic positions, including previous appointments as an Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Visiting Associate Professor at Brown University. Over the years, she has been actively involved in editorial boards for journals such as Feminist Media Studies and American Quarterly, further establishing her presence in the academic community.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

2010-01-01 — Present

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Teaches and conducts research in Cinema and Media Studies and American Studies and Ethnicity.

Assistant Professor

2007-01-01 — 2010-01-01

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Taught courses in Critical Studies and American Studies and Ethnicity.

Assistant Professor

2003-01-01 — 2007-01-01

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill • Chapel Hill, NC

Focused on Media and Cultural Studies.

Visiting Associate Professor

2017-01-01 — 2018-01-01

Brown University • Providence, RI

Engaged in teaching and research related to Modern Culture and Media.

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.