Congratulations to Dr. Bolcakan, Dr. Catovic, Dr. (Benjamin) Gwin, Dr. Kenan, and Dr. Zanotti on completing their Ph.D. in the summer of 2021!

Ali Bolcakan completed his Ph.D. in Comparative Literature with a dissertation entitled, “Language of Politics, Politics of Language: Political Literature in Late Ottoman Empire and Early Turkish Republic.” In fall 2021, Dr. Bolcakan is teaching as a Lecturer in Comparative Literature.   

Vedran Catovic completed his Ph.D. in Comparative Literature. Dissertation: “Satirical Literature in Context: Journey and Dissent in West and East Europe.”  Dr. Catovic will teach French in the fall for the U-M Department of Romance Language and Literatures.   

Lauren (Benjamin) Gwin completed her Ph.D. in Comparative Literature and English Language and Literature, with a dissertation entitled, “Feral Modernisms”. Dr. Benjamin is joining the U-M English Department Writing Program as a Lecturer for 2021-22.

Yael Kenan completed her Ph.D. in Comparative Literature and a Graduate Certificate in Judaic Studies, with a dissertation entitled: “States of Mourning: Nationalism and Mourning in Palestinian and Israeli Literatures After 1948.” Dr. Kenan is embarking on a lecturer position in the writing/general studies program at Case Western University. 

Grace Zanotti completed her Ph.D. in Comparative Literature and a Graduate Certificate in Classical Reception Studies, with a dissertation entitled,“Beyond Retribution: Re-theorizing Justice through Greek Tragedy.” In fall 2021, Dr. Zanotti is joining the Upper School English department as a teacher of literature at the Milken Community School in Los Angeles.