معرفی
Rachel Trousdale is a Professor of English at Framingham State University, where she teaches courses ranging from introductory poetry and science fiction to advanced seminars on Modern Poetry and Virginia Woolf. She holds a PhD from Yale University (2002) and has previously taught at Yale University, Agnes Scott College, and Northeastern University.
- PhD (2002) Yale University
- M.Phil. (1998) Yale University
- M.A. (1997) Yale University
- B.A. (1996) Yale University
Professor Trousdale's research spans Poetry and Poetics, Modernism, Postmodernism, Contemporary Literature, Transnational Literature, Humor Theory, Comics, and Science Fiction and Fantasy. Her scholarly work examines the intersections of humor, empathy, and community in literary contexts, with particular attention to how comedic elements shape reader engagement and social connection. She approaches literary analysis through both traditional academic frameworks and creative perspectives informed by her own poetry practice.
Her recent publications reveal a consistent focus on the relationship between humor and serious literary themes, examining how laughter functions as both a literary device and social connector across various traditions and historical periods. Trousdale's work frequently bridges creative and scholarly approaches, with her critical analyses often informing her poetry and vice versa.
- Cardinal Poetry Prize (2024) from Wesleyan University Press for Five-Paragraph Essay on the Body-Mind Problem
As an educator, Trousdale has developed innovative courses exploring narrative structures, captivity narratives, and the intersection of literature with social issues. Her scholarly book Humor, Empathy, and Community in Twentieth-Century American Poetry (Oxford University Press, 2021) represents a significant contribution to understanding how humor functions as a connective tissue in American poetic tradition. She maintains an active research agenda while balancing her commitments to undergraduate education and creative writing.
