"Hey Y'all! I'm Todd. I have been teaching forever! But I still know what life is all about. Like the title says: I keep it real.

Academically, I have a PhD in Interdisciplinary Social Science--which means my job is to put it all together. Having lived all around the world helps. For 30 years I was Professor of media studies, English, culture and society at Tohoku University (in Japan). I have also taught at Tufts, Syracuse, UCLA and am currently a lecturer at Bentley University and Associate in Research at Harvard. I regularly teach Introduction to Sociology, Sports and Society, Film and Society, Popular Culture and Consumerism, Media and Society, Social Problems, Self and Society and have also taught American literature, film, history, public policy and political science.

I have also worn other hats. As a college student, I founded a polling organization; thereafter I worked as a political consultant. I have also been head basketball coach, overseeing both male and female programs—pro and collegiate—in both Japan and the US. I have also been a scout of high school and college talent, an analyst, and skills developer.

Creatively, I was a radio DJ, wrote music (guitar, piano, voice) for Columbia records and have published novels in a variety of genres (from caper to dystopian to travel memoir). You can find some of my work at https://www.tjmholden.com/. My sports writing is on https://toddholden.substack.com/.

Students who work with me can tap into my vast experience in international contexts, various academic disciplines, and non-academic realms such as athletics, art, consulting and business. My unique perspective—which is global, comparative, historical, sociological, cultural and artistic—informs my engagements with students. It also enables comfort interacting with folk of various backgrounds, experiences, ages and value-positions.

I look forward to speaking with you about your intellectual needs and helping you achieve your learning goals." less...