Gillian Silverman

Gillian Silverman is a Professor of English and Graduate Director at the University of Colorado Denver's Department of English, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She also serves as affiliate faculty in the Women's and Gender Studies Program and holds the prestigious designation of President's Teaching Scholar.

Dr. Silverman's research spans American literature and culture, History of the Book/History of Reading, Television Studies, and Women's and Gender Studies. Her work consistently examines the intersections of gender, media, and cultural representation, with particular attention to how reading practices and textual experiences shape identity and community. She approaches American literature through both historical and contemporary lenses, connecting 19th century literary traditions with modern media forms.

Her recent publications reveal a trajectory from historical literary analysis toward contemporary media criticism, particularly focusing on representations of women in 21st century television. This evolution demonstrates her ability to apply historical literary methods to current cultural phenomena, especially examining female antiheroes and representations of gender power dynamics in popular media.

Among her scholarly recognitions, Dr. Silverman has been named a President's Teaching Scholar, highlighting her excellence in both research and pedagogy. This award recognizes faculty who demonstrate exceptional achievement in teaching, research, and service.

Dr. Silverman teaches a wide range of courses including American literature from colonial period to present, critical writing, literary and rhetorical theory, and specialized courses in feminist thought. As Graduate Director, she oversees the graduate program in English, advising students and shaping the department's graduate curriculum.