Dr. Paul Lerner

Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

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

Biography

Paul Lerner is a historian specializing in Modern Germany and Central Europe, with a focus on the history of human sciences, Jewish history, and gender. His research examines the development of consumer culture and its representation in historical narratives, particularly in the context of World War I and World War II Germany. Lerner authored the book 'The Consuming Temple: Jews, Department Stores, Consumer Revolution Germany, 1880-1949,' published by Cornell University Press in Spring 2015, which explores the dynamics of Jewish department stores and their cultural implications. He is also involved in a long-term project on German Jewish popular culture and has co-edited a volume of essays entitled 'Jewish Masculinities: German Jews, Gender History.' Currently, he is investigating the influence of Austrian Jews on American consumer culture in the 1950s. Lerner's scholarly contributions can be found in various publications that reflect his interdisciplinary approach to history and culture.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

— Present

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Teaching and research in the Department of History, specializing in Modern German and Central European history.

Awards

#

USC-Advancing Scholarship Social Sciences Humanities Award

#

American Council Learned Societies Fellowship

#

Charles W. Sally Rothfield Fellowship

2008-10-01
#

Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship

2005-01-01
#

USC Phi Kappa Phi Faculty Recognition Award

2005-01-01
#

General Education Teaching Award

2001-01-01

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.