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David J. Gorman

Associate Professor

Critical Theory, Comparative Literature

Office: RH 233
Phone: 753-6635
Email: dgorman@niu.edu

Educational Background


Ph.D. Columbia University; 1989

M.A. Columbia University; 1979

B.A. Columbia College, NY; 1977


Professional Interests


David Gorman has published in various formats on the history and theory of literary study, including essays, reviews, bibliographies, translations, and entries in reference works. He also has strong interests in philosophy (especially the philosophy of language) and in classics (especially the history of the classical tradition). As a generalist by vocation, after a few drinks he will admit that his central interest is in literature as a whole. He is currently serving a term (2009-2012) on the advisory board of PMLA. A book on narrative is in progress.
Selected Publications >

Current Courses >

Selected Publications

  • "The Future of Literary Study: An Experiment in Guesswork." Modern Literature Quarterly 72.1 (2011): 1-18.
  • "Teaching Character and Characterization." Options for Teaching Narrative Theory. Ed. David Herman, Brian McHale, and James Phelan. New York: MLA, 2010. 165-80.
  • With John Schaeffer. “Ong and Derrida on Presence: A Conflict of Traditions?” Educational Philosophy and Theory 40 (2008): 856-72.
  • “Architext,” “Fiction, Theories of,” “Paratext,” and “Truth.” The Routledge Encyclopedia of Narrative Theory. Ed. David Herman, Manfred Jahn, and Marie-Laure Ryan. New York: Routledge, 2005. 26, 163-67, 419, 621-22.
  • Entry on Gérard Genette. The Johns Hopkins Guide to Literary Theory and Criticism, 2nd ed. Ed. Michael Groden, Martin Kreiswirth, and Imre Szeman. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins UP, 2004. 430-33.
  • "The Use and Abuse of Speech-Act Theory for Criticism." Poetics Today 20 (1999): 93-119.

Current Courses

CourseMeeting Days / Time / Room
Summer 2013ENGL 315.1 (details)
TTH / 2:00 - 4:40 / RH207
Spring 2013ENGL 400.2 (details)
MWF / 12:00 - 12:50 / RH207
Spring 2013ENGL 310.1 (details)
MWF / 11:00 - 11:50 / RH 207
Summer 2011ENGL 407.0001 (details)
TTh / 11:00-1:45 / RH 207
Fall 2011ENGL 310.0001 (details)
MWF / 10:00 - 10:50 / RH 207
Fall 2011ENGL 602.0001 (details)
M / 6:00-8:40 / RH 207
Spring 2012ENGL 310.1 (details)
MWF / 1:00 - 1:50 / RH209
Spring 2012ENGL 400.1 (details)
MWF / 12:00 - 12:50 / RH209
Spring 2012ENGL 607.2 (details)
W / 6:00 - 8:40 / RH207
Summer 2012ENGL 407.1 (details)
TTH / 11:00 - 1:45 / RH201
Fall 2012ENGL 340.1 (details)
MW / 2:00 - 3:15 / RH207
Fall 2012ENGL 602. (details)
W / 6:00 - 8:40 / RH207