Dr. Ali Behdad

Biography

Ali Behdad is the John Charles Hillis Professor of Literature at the University of California, Los Angeles. He specializes in Postcolonial Literature and Theory, exploring topics such as literary cultural theory, European representations of the Middle East, and the Victorian novel. Behdad's work includes a focus on immigration history and 19th-century photography of the Middle East. His notable publications include 'Camera Orientalis: Reflections on Photography of the Middle East' (University of Chicago Press, 2016) and 'Forgetful Nation: Immigration Cultural Identity United States' (Duke University Press, 2005). He has contributed to various scholarly discussions on the intersections of photography and representation in the context of Orientalism. His writing has appeared in prestigious journals and edited volumes, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of colonial and postcolonial narratives in visual and literary forms. Behdad's research interests encompass Postcolonial Theory, Transnational Studies, Critical Theory, and American Literature & Culture. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and has taught extensively at both graduate and undergraduate levels, contributing significantly to the academic community's understanding of literature's role in shaping cultural identities.

Research Interests