Chair of Humanities Department Dr. Pagano is a faculty member in the College for the following department(s) and division(s): Humanities (College) Telephone  (212) 749-2802  x4459 E-mail  jpagano@msmnyc.edu

On the verge of completing premedical studies at Columbia College, I switched my major to English literature, a decision that surprised many but convinced me I was pursuing the course of study best suited for creative self-realization and humanitarian contribution to society. The vocational energies that inspired this reorientation guided me through completion of the B.A. (’79), M.A. (’80), and Ph.D (’90) at Columbia. In 1983 I began teaching literature in Columbia’s School of General Studies, joined the Barnard English department in 1988 (where I still teach), then entered the humanities department of Manhattan School of Music in 1993, where since 1999 I have served as chair. My major teaching interests include romantic literature, modern literature, poetry, composition, and fantasy. The magicality of intellectual and imaginative exchange in the classroom continues to be the most compelling aspect of the teaching profession for me—the opportunity to share with my students the formative insight, wonder, and delight afforded by literature remains my primary inspiration as a teacher. Manhattan School of Music faculty since 1993.

[Back]