Faculty Profiles

Geoff Hamilton, Instructor

Education & Credentials:

• PhD, University of Toronto
• MA, University of Toronto
• BAHon, Queen's University

Began teaching at MHC: 2018

---

In his doctoral dissertation, Dr. Hamilton explored the role of the psychopathic type in contemporary American literature, and he remains intrigued by representations of bad people and all manner of bad stuff. Nowadays, he’s most interested in Indigenous authors and conceptions of healing. 

Dr. Hamilton is the author of three books: The Life and Undeath of Autonomy in American Literature, Understanding Gary Shteyngart, and A New Continent of Liberty: Eunomia in Native American Literature from Occom to Erdrich. He responds positively when students mention any of these works, especially if they imply they’ve actually read – or, even better, purchased – them. 

What matters most to Dr. Hamilton is that students take their work seriously and strive to understand better the texts and concepts they engage in his courses. He favors open and active class discussions and encourages the careful articulation of informed thought. He is always moved – sometimes to tears – when students demonstrate a sincere and successful engagement with close reading. He gets unhappily teary when students suggest that watching movies is superior to reading books. It’s not. Books are way better. It’s not even close. 

In his lectures, Dr. Hamilton draws on a range of charismatic influences – Greta Thunberg, Mahatma Gandhi, David Koresh, et al -- as he creates learning environments that combine the intellectual rigor of a quantum physics symposium with the emotional intensity of a fire and brimstone sermon. A captivating presence at the front of the room, he employs a dynamic physicality that has often and rightly been compared to the slinky exuberance of a prime Mick Jagger. Once asked by an awestruck administrator about his electrifying effect on audiences large and small, Dr. Hamilton blushed and averted his eyes before replying simply, "Trade secret. Next question, please."