Bernard J. Rhie

Bernard J. Rhie is an Associate Professor of English at Williams College, with a Faculty Affiliate appointment in Religion and a role in the Asian American Studies Advisory Committee. He has been affiliated with Williams since 2005 and teaches courses on Buddhism in American literature, Asian American literature, and philosophical approaches to literary studies.

Education:

• B.A., University of California–Berkeley (1997)
• M.A., University of Pennsylvania (2001)
• Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania (2005)

His research interests span intersections of literature, philosophy, and neuroscience, with a focus on contemplative education, ordinary language philosophy, and the ethical implications of artistic and literary engagement with brain sciences. His recent publications explore these themes through works on Stanley Cavell, Wittgenstein, and the neurocultural moment in contemporary fiction.

Scientific awards include the Nelson Bushnell Prize for Teaching (2020), the Aliis Non Sibi Prize (2016), the Diane Hunter Dissertation Prize (2006), and fellowships from the U.S. Department of Education and University of Pennsylvania. He has advised students like Isabel Adrande and Stephanie Brown in collaborative projects.

Rhie also leads a Zen meditation group in Williamstown and co-founded OLP & Literary Studies Online, an academic blog. His service includes chairing the Faculty Steering Committee and directing the English Department Honors Program.