David W. Bird

David W. Bird is a Professor of Spanish at Saint Mary’s College of California since 2006, with dual affiliations to the School of Liberal Arts and the Integral Program. He holds a Ph.D. in Hispanic Studies (2007) and M.A. in Spanish Literature (2004) from the University of Kentucky, alongside a B.A. in Spanish and German (2001) from Florida State University.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. Hispanic Studies, University of Kentucky
  • M.A. Spanish Literature, University of Kentucky
  • B.A. Spanish and German, Florida State University

Bird’s research focuses on the intersection of literature and philosophy in 19th- and 20th-century Spain, particularly Catalan literature, Baroque poetry, and the Generación del 98. His work explores epistemology in Galdós’s novels, political modernism in Gabriel Alomar i Villalonga’s essays, and the theory/practice of translation.

Recent publications highlight trends in Spanish modernist thought, critical analysis of Iberian intellectuals like Ganivet, and comparative studies of Catalan and Mexican literature. His academic contributions span edited volumes, peer-reviewed articles, and conference presentations.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Dissertation Year Fellowship (2005)
  • John E. Keller Award (2004)
  • Daniel R. Reedy Award (2001)
  • Multi-Year Fellowship (2001-2003)

Bird serves as Department Chair for World Languages and Cultures and leads a collaborative travel grant project with Spain’s Biblioteca Nacional. He teaches courses on Spanish literature, culture, and the Integral Program’s Junior Seminar, integrating classical and modern philosophical texts like Kant.