Michael Dirda Appointed 2011 Petrou Reader-In-Residence

Washington Post columnist joins UMD English Department as spring Petrou Reader-in-Residence.

Washington Post columnist joins UMD English Department as spring Petrou Reader-in-Residence.The Department of English welcomes Michael Dirda, Pulitzer Prize-winning book critic and  "Book World" columnist for the Washington Post, to campus for the spring 2011 semester as the Petrou Reader-in-Residence.
Dirda holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from Cornell University, and he is the author of some seven books on literature, reading, and writing.  This semester he will teach ENGL 428E "The Classic Adventure Novel: 1885-1922," visit undergraduate courses, hold office hours, and offer a public lecture this spring. His visit aligns with the Center for Literary & Comparative Studies' inaugural theme of "Reading: Histories, Practices, Futures."

Dirda's visit is sponsored by the Department of English, the Center for Literary & Comparative Studies, and with funding from the Bebe Koch Petrou Foundation.

Welcome Reception: Wednesday, February 16, 2010 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Lobby in Tawes Hall.