About
Rich Cooper is an Instructional Associate Professor at Texas A&M University (TAMU). His research focuses on 20th-century culture, literature, science fiction, fantasy, and poetry, with a particular emphasis on pedagogical applications of role-playing games and cultural hybridity.
Education:
- Ph.D., Louisiana State University, 2011
- B.A., Louisiana State University, 2003
His work explores intersections between fantasy literature and materialist theory, as seen in publications like Radical realms: a materialist theory of fantasy literature (2011) and Building Worlds: Dialectical Materialism as Method in China Miéville’s Bas-lag (2009). Recent projects include analyzing role-playing games in education (e.g., Dungeons & Dragons in the Literature Classroom, 2024) and Louisiana’s creolized folklore (e.g., The Secret Lives of Bouki, 2024).
Awards:
- Distinguished Graduate, School of Criticism and Theory at Cornell University
While no formal grants or advising roles are listed, his research emphasizes collaborative learning and identity formation through immersive narratives. His academic contributions span literary theory, cultural studies, and innovative pedagogical practices.
