English

Specialization

Shakespeare, Comparative Literature and Onomastics

Biography

Reed College, BA in Literature
University of Nevada, MA in English Language
University of Delaware, PhD in Renaissance Literature

Dr. Smith came to Eastern in 1968, served as chair of the English Department from 1978-1984, coordinator of humanities since 1979, and interim vice provost 1987-1988. He has initiated 13 different courses of his own as well as numerous programs, e.g., religious studies, MFA in creative writing, rhetoric and technical writing. While vice provost he initiated the Spokane Consortium for Minority Outreach and has been the recipient of major grants. In the early '80s he was the local TV host and scriptwriter for Here's Shakespeare, introducing the BBC productions. He has served on numerous boards, e.g., Spokane Symphony, has an international reputation in onomastics and is frequently interviewed by national media.

Recent Publications

Smith, G. "A Semiotic Theory of Names." Onoma 41 (forthcoming 2009).
Smith, G. "Ethnic, Class, and Occupational Identities in Shakespeare's Names." Proceedings, 23rd International Congress of Onomastic Sciences, Names in Contact: Names in a Multi-Lingual, Multi-Cultural, Multi-Ethnic World. York University, Toronto, forthcoming 2009.
Smith, G. "Sea Names and the Preservation of Ecosystems." Proceedings, The Fifthteenth International Seminar on Sea Names. The 32nd International Geographical Congress Special Session. Sung Ji Mun Hwa Sa [Publishing Co.] (2009): 73-81.
Smith, G. "Names as Art: An Introduction." Onoma 40 (2005 [printed 2008]): 7-26.

Courses Taught

Shakespeare
Introduction to Poetry
Classics in Literature
Masterpieces of the Western World
Arts and Ideas
Western Tradition