معرفی
Jeffrey Theis serves as Professor and Chair of the Program Area for General Education (PAGE) in the Department of English at Salem State University. His teaching portfolio includes specialized courses such as ENG 716 Ecopoetics, Shakespeare seminars (ENL 340/341), and honors thesis capstones (ENG 998/IDS 600H/601H), reflecting his dual commitment to literary scholarship and undergraduate mentorship.
His academic credentials feature:
- Ph.D. in English, University of Wisconsin at Madison
- M.A. in English, University of Illinois at Chicago
- B.A. in English, Kenyon College
Theis pioneers ecocritical analysis of early-modern literature with particular focus on Shakespearean ecosystems. His research interrogates dwelling practices and housing technologies within Renaissance contexts while bridging historical scholarship to contemporary climate discourse. Key thematic threads include:
- Plant-animal-human relationality in Cymbeline
- Forest symbolism in Milton's Paradise Lost
- Poaching legislation as environmental governance
- Country house poetry as ecological critique
Recent publications (2020-2024) reveal evolving emphasis from textual analysis toward urgent climate applications, notably examining "Poor 'Tom's a-cold'" through housing insecurity frameworks. His scholarship consistently connects 16th-17th century environmental thought to modern sustainability challenges.
Professor Theis actively mentors honors students through thesis capstones and interdisciplinary seminars. His collaborative work with Dr. Elizabeth Kenney demonstrates commitment to cross-departmental initiatives like "Connecting the Arts and Humanities through Shakespeare." Administrative leadership as PAGE Chair further evidences institutional engagement beyond conventional faculty roles.
