Richard Ruppel

Dr. Richard Ruppel is Professor of English & Peace & Justice Studies at Chapman University, where he also serves as Director of the General Education Program within Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. He has taught at Chapman since 2006, previously holding faculty positions at Viterbo University, North Carolina State University, and the University of Michigan. His academic career spans over thirty years with progressive appointments from Instructor to full Professor.

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Ph.D. in English Literature (1988)
• Duke University, Master of Arts in English (1978)
• University of Michigan, Bachelor of Arts in Latin (1976)

Professor Ruppel's research centers on Joseph Conrad studies, where he has established himself as a leading scholar with multiple monographs and numerous articles. His most significant contribution is the cognitive approach to Conrad's work, exploring intersections between literature and neuroscience. His recent book A Political Genealogy of Joseph Conrad (2015) demonstrates his innovative approach to literary analysis through political theory. Currently, he is working on a book exploring the intersection of literature and neuroscience, continuing his trajectory of bridging humanities with cognitive science. His scholarship reveals a consistent pattern of examining Conrad through multiple theoretical lenses including political theory, cognitive studies, and queer theory.

Dr. Ruppel's scholarly awards include the Inaugural One-Year Scholarly & Creativity Activities Release (2017-18), Wilkinson College Faculty Award for Service (2011), and Alec Chiu Award for Faculty Research (2006). He has served in numerous leadership roles including Director of General Education (2019-2024), Chair of the English Department Faculty Review Committee (2015-2017), and Chair of Peace Studies (2015-2016).

As an active member of the academic community, Professor Ruppel has served as President of the Joseph Conrad Society of America (2008-2011) and has organized significant conferences including the international "Conrad under California Skies" conference at Chapman University in 2010. His service extends to editorial boards for multiple academic journals and presses including Conradiana, Harvard University Press, and Bloomsbury Press.