Peter Schmidt stands as a distinguished figure in the realm of literary scholarship, holding the esteemed position of William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of English Literature at Swarthmore College. His expertise encompasses a rich tapestry of American literature and cultural history, with a particular emphasis on the compelling narratives woven through 20th-century fiction and poetry. Beyond this, Peter Schmidt’s work significantly contributes to critical discussions surrounding race, ethnicity, and postcolonial theory, making him a vital voice in contemporary literary analysis.
Exploring the Academic Journey of Peter Schmidt
At Swarthmore College, Peter Schmidt dedicates his time to teaching and mentoring students in the humanities. His courses are designed to explore the depths of U.S. literary and cultural history, consistently engaging with the evolution of fiction and poetry throughout the twentieth century. His commitment to education is further evidenced by his online presence, where he shares resources and insights related to his teaching and publications, solidifying his role as an accessible and engaged academic.
Peter Schmidt’s Scholarly Contributions: Selected Publications
Professor Schmidt’s research delves into the intricate relationship between contemporary fiction and poetry, particularly works from the 1960s onwards, and their impact on our understanding of fundamental concepts like family, nationhood, and cosmopolitanism. His publications, spanning both print and online formats, reflect these core interests and showcase his rigorous approach to literary criticism.
A notable work, Making and Unmaking Whiteness in Early New South Fiction After the Civil War / Its Relevance for Multiracial Democracy Today (2012), exemplifies Peter Schmidt’s commitment to accessible scholarship. This essay critically examines how popular fiction in the post-Civil War era contributed to and challenged the emerging structures of white racial dominance, known as Jim Crow. Schmidt keenly analyzes the “command performance” scenes within these texts, revealing the inherent instability and coercion underlying white supremacy, even when authors attempted to downplay such tensions. His analysis extends to the works of prominent authors like Joel Chandler Harris, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Kate Chopin, and Pauline Hopkins, highlighting their crucial roles in dissecting the contradictions of white supremacy and envisioning alternative social landscapes during the Jim Crow era.
Further solidifying his expertise in this area, Sitting in Darkness: New South Fiction, Education, and the Rise of Jim Crow Colonialism, 1865-1920 (2008) provides a book-length exploration of authors who critiqued the post-Reconstruction racial order in the U.S., coinciding with the nation’s burgeoning colonial ambitions. Peter Schmidt broadens the literary landscape by including both well-known figures like Twain and Du Bois, alongside lesser-known but equally important voices such as Griggs, Ingraham, and Tolentino, offering a more comprehensive understanding of this complex period.
His co-edited volume, Postcolonial Theory and the U.S.: Race, Ethnicity, and Literature (2000), with Amritjit Singh, further cements his authority in postcolonial studies, exploring the intersections of race, ethnicity, and literature within a U.S. context.
Earlier in his career, Peter Schmidt’s literary acumen was recognized with the C. Hugh Holman Award for Southern Literary Criticism for his insightful book, The Heart of the Story: Eudora Welty’s Short Fiction (1991). This work delves into the complexities of Eudora Welty’s short stories, exploring themes of authorship, gender, and the broader context of American women’s literature. His earlier work, William Carlos Williams, the Arts, and Literary Tradition (1988), demonstrates his foundational understanding of major figures in American modernism.
Courses Taught by Peter Schmidt at Swarthmore College
Peter Schmidt’s dedication to teaching is reflected in the diverse and engaging courses he offers at Swarthmore College. Regularly taught courses include:
- English 009H, “Portraits of the Artist”: A First-Year Seminar designed to introduce students to the artist’s journey and representation in literature.
- English 52A, “U.S. Fiction 1900-1950”: A course exploring the pivotal works of American fiction during the first half of the 20th century.
- English 52B, “U.S. Fiction 1945 to the Present”: Examining the evolution of American fiction from the post-war era to contemporary narratives.
- English 53, “Modern American Poetry”: An exploration of the key movements and figures in modern American poetry.
- English 116, the American Literature Honors seminar: A focused seminar for honors students, often centered on 20th-century American literature.
Occasionally, Professor Schmidt also teaches courses such as “The Lyric Poem in English,” “The Short Story in the U.S.,” and “Poetry Workshop,” further demonstrating his breadth of knowledge and teaching capabilities.
Connect with Peter Schmidt Online
For those interested in delving deeper into the work of Peter Schmidt, his online platforms offer valuable resources:
- Website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/Humanities/pschmid1/ – Provides comprehensive information about his teaching, publications, and research.
- Academia.edu: https://swarthmore.academia.edu/PeterSchmidt – A platform to access some of his scholarly articles and connect with his academic network.
- Blog: http://blogs.swarthmore.edu/pschmid1/ – Offers online essays and blog entries on literature, art, and culture, providing insights into his ongoing intellectual engagements.
In conclusion, Peter Schmidt’s contributions to the field of English Literature, particularly in American literature, race studies, and postcolonial theory, are substantial and impactful. His publications and courses at Swarthmore College demonstrate a deep commitment to scholarly inquiry and education, making him a significant voice for those seeking to understand the complexities of American literary and cultural history.
