Robert W. Barrett, Jr.

Robert W. Barrett, Jr. is an Associate Professor and Associate Head for Curriculum and Administration in the Department of English at the University of Illinois. He also holds concurrent appointments as Associate Professor in the Department of Theatre, Program in Medieval Studies, and Unit for Criticism and Interpretive Theory. His research focuses on medieval drama, early modern ecocriticism, and regional literary studies, particularly in Cheshire and Chester.

Education: Ph.D. (2001), M.A. (1996), and B.A. (1991) from the University of Pennsylvania and Trinity University. Awards: 2016 LAS Dean's Award for Excellence in Teaching.

His work bridges drama studies, environmental humanities, and regional history. Recent publications include Against All England: Regional Identity and Cheshire Writing (2009) and articles on medieval drama’s global contexts. He teaches courses in medieval literature, early British literature, and pedagogy, emphasizing close reading and interdisciplinary approaches.

Barrett’s research grants include projects on medieval performance spaces and regional identity. He advises graduate students in literary studies and creative writing, and coordinates interdisciplinary initiatives through his campus affiliations.