Robert Forman

Robert Forman is a Professor of English Languages and Literatures at St. John’s University, teaching on the Queens Campus within the Department of Languages and Literatures. He specializes in ancient Greek and Roman literature, classical drama, and the University Honors Program’s global literature core course. Previously, he directed the University Honors Program. His research focuses on St. Augustine’s engagement with pre-Christian literature, Vergil’s Aeneid, and classical aesthetics. A native New Yorker, he leads student tours of Manhattan’s historical sites and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Education: Ph.D. in Classics (New York University), M.A. in Classics (NYU), B.A. in Classics (St. John’s University).

Research Interests: Classical literary traditions, the intersection of paganism and early Christian thought, and the enduring influence of classical texts on Western intellectual history. His scholarship examines how Augustine reinterpreted classical works to shape Christian literary identity. He also explores themes in Vergil’s epic poetry and ancient dramatic forms.

Publications: His work includes analyses of Augustine’s literary aesthetics and the cultural significance of classical music in early Christian theology. Though no awards are listed, his teaching and research reflect deep engagement with classical heritage.

Advising/Grants: No specific grants or advising roles are detailed in the provided text.

Labs/Teams: Not explicitly mentioned, though his involvement in interdisciplinary Honors Program initiatives suggests collaborative academic work.