David T. Gies

David T. Gies is a distinguished Emeritus Commonwealth Professor of Spanish at the University of Virginia, with a career spanning over 50 years. He served as Chair of the Department of Spanish, Italian and Portuguese, and Chair of the Faculty Senate (1999-2000). His expertise focuses on 18th-19th century Spanish literature, Enlightenment studies, and contemporary film. Gies has published 17 books and over 125 articles, edited the journal Dieciocho, and created the educational website 'Cine con clase.'

Education: Ph.D. (University of Pittsburgh, 197?), M.A. (University of Pittsburgh), B.A. (Penn State University).

Research interests include Spanish Enlightenment literature, Romantic-era theater, gender studies in 19th-century texts, and cultural representation in film. His recent work explores historical adaptations in cinema and transatlantic literary networks.

Awards include Spain's highest honor (Encomienda de Isabel la Católica), the Thomas Jefferson Award, and the University of Virginia's top teaching award. He has held Guggenheim and NEH fellowships, and served as President of the Asociación Internacional de Hispanistas (2013-2016).

Professional contributions include pioneering Semester at Sea academic leadership (2007, 2010, 2014 voyages) and editorial roles for major scholarly presses. His work bridges academic disciplines through interdisciplinary approaches to cultural history.