Dr. Timothy Hampton

Biography

Professor Timothy Hampton’s research interests encompass the relationship between literature and politics, poetry and song, as well as history and emotion. He focuses on the dynamics of history and diplomacy, along with the transmission of culture during the Renaissance and early modern periods. His work spans various literary forms, including epic, lyric, dramatic, and novelistic, drawing from diverse national traditions. Hampton has also contributed significantly to French Comparative Literature and has held the position of Director of the Doreen B. Townsend Center for the Humanities at Berkeley. He previously served as the director of the Designated Emphasis in Renaissance and Early Modern Studies and has been actively involved in the study group on “Democracy, Free Speech, and Values.” His projects include a grant-funded translation of poetry through the France-Berkeley Fund and Diebold Foundation in 2022. Among his recent publications are 'Bob Dylan: Songs Work' and 'Cheerfulness: Literary Cultural History,' issued by Zone Books in 2019 and 2022, respectively. Hampton has also written essays on American education, titled 'Trespassing,' while his scholarly work has appeared in various venues such as Salon and Aeon/Psyche. Additionally, he engages with topics surrounding literature, music, and education in podcasts and interviews.

Research Interests