John Williams

John Williams is Professor of English and Film & Media Studies at Yale University. His work focuses on the intersection of technological innovation, cultural otherness, and Buddhist studies. He holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from UC Irvine (2008), with earlier degrees from UC Irvine (M.A. 2002), Utah State University (M.A. 2001), and Brigham Young University (B.A. 1997). His award-winning book The Buddha in the Machine (2014) explores Asian/American aesthetics through technological discourse, winning the Harry Levin Prize and Heyman Prize. Current projects include Out of Mind: A Media-Theoretical Critique of Mindfulness Meditation (under contract with UChicago Press) and a book on mid-20th century futurology.

Research interests span technocultural studies, comparative literature, and media historiography. Recent work includes 'World Futures' (Critical Inquiry 2016), analyzing Cold War-era futurological discourses. His writing bridges literary analysis with critical theory, addressing topics like global capitalism's spiritual dimensions and postcolonial translation practices.

Academic accolades include the Norman Foerster Prize for his 2010 article on Chinese typewriter history. He teaches courses on American literature, East Asia in U.S. culture, and literature/technology intersections. Collaborative projects include membership in the band Faded Paper Figures, reflecting his interdisciplinary creative approach.