Stephen Arch

Stephen Arch is a Professor in the Department of English at Michigan State University, where he has served as Department Chair (2007-2012) and Associate Chair (1998-2003, 2006). A leading scholar in American literary studies, he specializes in 17th-19th century literature with significant contributions to scholarly editing as Associate Lead Editor of The Writings of James Fenimore Cooper. His academic career spans over three decades with continuous scholarly output and editorial leadership.

Arch's research centers on gothic literature, textual scholarship, and sports literature, evidenced by his two foundational books: Authorizing the Past: The Rhetoric of History in Seventeenth-Century New England (1997) and After Franklin: The Emergence of Autobiography in Post-Revolutionary America, 1780–1830 (2001). Current projects include co-editing an MLA collection on teaching Cooper's novels and preparing Edith Wharton's short stories for Oxford's complete works edition, demonstrating sustained engagement with both canonical and emerging literary fields.

His publication trajectory reveals evolving scholarly interests while maintaining core focus on American literary history. Early work concentrated on Puritan historiography and Revolutionary-era autobiography, gradually expanding to include gothic studies and sports literature. Recent publications show sophisticated integration of these threads, particularly through analyses of Doctorow's fiction and sports narratives, while continuing deep engagement with Cooper's frontier literature.

Arch's scholarly recognition includes:

• Fulbright Scholar award for research in the Netherlands (1996)

As an educator, he teaches diverse courses spanning poetry fundamentals (ENG 129), cultural studies (IAH 207 with gothic literature focus), and advanced seminars including ENG 826 (Textual Criticism and Scholarly Editing), reflecting his interdisciplinary expertise. His administrative experience as department chair further demonstrates leadership within the academic community.