Professor Kemp researches American literature and culture, medieval and Renaissance literature, philosophy, critical theory, 18th and 19th centuries and religious culture. He received his Ph.D. in English and Comparative Literature from Columbia University. At USC he is Director of Graduate Studies and Director of Graduate Placement. He has presented at numerous conferences, written several books and articles as well as a novel. He has received awards at Harvard and Columbia Universities as well as the Mortar Board Senior Honor Society Teaching Award at USC.