معرفی
John Putman is a Professor in the Department of History at San Diego State University, affiliated with the College of Arts & Letters. He serves as Associate Dean and previously directed the International Business Program from 2015 to 2021. His academic work bridges historical scholarship and popular culture, particularly through the lens of the American West and science fiction.
- Ph.D. in History, University of California, San Diego (2000)
- B.A. in History, San Diego State University (1987)
Professor Putman specializes in the modern American West, focusing on California and the Pacific coast states during the late 19th and 20th centuries. His research explores class and gender politics in urban settings, particularly in Seattle during the Progressive Era. He also investigates the cultural history of 20th-century America, with a strong emphasis on science fiction, Cold War films, and the sociopolitical meanings of Star Trek. His current project analyzes three science fiction TV series—Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, The X-Files, and Babylon 5—to understand broader social, cultural, and political dynamics in the United States.
His publications include two books: Class and Gender Politics in Progressive-Era Seattle (2008) and Boosting a New West: Pacific Coast Expositions, 1905–1916 (2020). His scholarly articles and book chapters reflect a consistent engagement with gender, class, and cultural representation, often using popular media as a historical lens. The thematic trends across his work reveal a deep interest in how identity, power, and ideology are constructed and contested in both historical and fictional narratives.
Professor Putman has been featured in various media outlets discussing Star Trek and its historical significance, including interviews with SDSUniverse, Channel 8 News, KPBS, Al Jazeera, and the History Channel. He also maintains a YouTube channel dedicated to Star Trek and American history.
He has taught a wide range of courses, including California History, The American West, US History since WWII, Constitutional History, and specialized seminars such as Star Trek, Culture, and History. His teaching reflects his interdisciplinary approach, blending traditional historical methods with cultural studies and public engagement.
