David Thorburn (scholar)

David Thorburn is a scholar of literature, media, and culture, primarily focusing on television, narrative theory, and American studies. He is currently a professor emeritus at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he taught in the Literature Section and was for many years the director of the MIT Communications Forum.

Thorburn's scholarship is characterized by its interdisciplinary approach, drawing on literary criticism, cultural studies, and media theory to analyze the complexities of popular culture. He is particularly known for his work on the aesthetic qualities and cultural significance of television, challenging traditional critical hierarchies that often relegated television to a lower status than literature or film.

Key themes in Thorburn's work include the nature of narrative in different media, the relationship between popular culture and social values, and the role of technology in shaping human experience. He is also recognized for his contributions to the development of media studies as a field of academic inquiry.

His publications include essays and books that have been influential in shaping the discourse on television studies and popular culture. He has also been involved in various public forums and discussions on the impact of media on society.