Michael Rothberg

Michael Rothberg is a prominent American academic specializing in literature, with a particular focus on memory studies. His expertise has led to appointments at esteemed institutions, including the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he currently serves as a professor of English and Comparative Literature. At UCLA, he also holds the distinguished 1939 Society Samuel Goetz Chair in Holocaust Studies, underscoring his commitment to exploring the complex intersections of literature, history, and cultural memory.

Prior to his current role at UCLA, Rothberg played a pivotal part in establishing the Initiative in Holocaust, Genocide, and Memory Studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he served as the founding director. This initiative reflects his dedication to fostering interdisciplinary research and dialogue on critical issues related to trauma, remembrance, and cultural heritage. Through his scholarly work and institutional leadership, Rothberg has made significant contributions to the fields of literature and memory studies, advancing our understanding of the complex dynamics that shape individual and collective experiences of the past.