Dr. Richard Cavell

Professor

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Biography

Richard Cavell is a Professor in the Department of English Language and Literatures at the University of British Columbia. His teaching and research focus on media theory, with a particular emphasis on the works of Marshall McLuhan and Edmund Carpenter. He examines the intersections of media theory with various cultural and historical contexts including Italian Futurism, Cold War cultural politics, and media anthropology. Cavell's recent publications include 'Mediatic Shakespeare: Dynamics of Orality, Script, Print, Plays, and Poems' (2025), which explores the role of media in shaping literary practices, and 'Remediating McLuhan' (2016), addressing McLuhan's contributions to media studies. He is recognized for his scholarly contributions through awards like the McLuhan Award for Outstanding Book and the Honorable Mention Book Award from the Museum Anthropology section of the American Anthropological Association. Cavell is also the co-founder of the Bachelor of Media Studies Program and has taught courses such as Media Anthropology and Media Misinformation, supervising various doctoral research projects.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

— Present

University of British Columbia • Vancouver, BC, Canada

Teaching and researching in media theory and literature.

Awards

#

McLuhan Award for Outstanding Book

#

Honorable Mention Book Award

Courses

Media Anthropology Media Misinformation

Requirements for University of British Columbia

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Philosophy or related field 3 credits in formal logic 6 credits at the upper level in history of philosophy 3 credits at the upper level in ethics or value theory 6 credits at the upper level in metaphysics, epistemology, or philosophy of science
Application Checklist
  • Online application form
  • Application fee
  • Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Writing sample (15-20 pages)
  • Statement of intent
  • Evidence of English language proficiency
Specialization Notes

Offers course-only and thesis routes. Focus areas include philosophy of science, mind, ethics, and Asian philosophy.