In research and in teaching, Jim Cocola focuses on intersections between geography and the humanities, primarily in the field of modern and contemporary American literature and culture. His most recent study examines place making in American poetry and poetics through a comparative, multiethnic, and transnational lens. His newest project reflects on cultural production by Americans and others of Mediterranean descent, looking mainly at literary and visual artifacts. He is also interested in experiential and experimental forms of writing. Professor Cocola's primary teaching opportunities have occurred in literary studies, but he also offers courses in American studies, creative writing, film studies, and media studies, and he has advised student projects sponsored by the American Antiquarian Society and the Worcester Art Museum. In all of these cases he has been drawn to discourses and methods in critical theory and digital humanities. Teaching allows Professor Cocola to be in thought with others; teaching at WPI allows him to be in thought with creative, dynamic, and innovative students who are eager to test their sense of the world.
