Jared Del Rosso
Associate Professor; Chair, Sociology & Criminology
303-871-2773 (Office)
Sturm Hall, 2000 East Asbury Avenue Denver, CO 80208
What I do
Associate Professor of Sociology & CriminologySpecialization(s)
Denial, Birds, Urban Wildlife, Teaching & Learning
Professional Biography
Jared Del Rosso is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology & Criminology at the University of Denver. He joined the University of Denver in 2012. Prior to that, he spent a decade in New England, earning his BA from Brandeis University (2003), his Ph.D. from Boston College (2012), and holding a lectureship position in Sociology and Justice Studies at the University of New Hampshire (2011-12).
During his time at DU, Del Rosso has researched the interpersonal and collective dynamics of denial. His research and teaching in this area is the basis of his first two books: Talking About Torture (Columbia University Press, 2015) and Denial: How We Hide, Ignore, and Explain Away Problems (NYU Press, 2022).
Del Rosso is currently working on a new book, tentatively titled The Lonesome Whip-poor-will: The Untold Story of America's Most Iconic Bird. Representing a pivot toward the study of animals and society, the book will explore the place of the Eastern Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus) in U.S. popular culture.
In addition to this research, Del Rosso has over a decade of teaching experience in a range of areas, including denial, violence, social theory, and the environment. His courses involve a mix of lectures, small and large group discussions, exercises, simulations, and pedagogical games.
Beyond this work, Del Rosso volunteers with environmental organizations, including Denver Field Ornithologists and the High Line Canal Conservancy. He is an avid birder and native wildflower gardener.
During his time at DU, Del Rosso has researched the interpersonal and collective dynamics of denial. His research and teaching in this area is the basis of his first two books: Talking About Torture (Columbia University Press, 2015) and Denial: How We Hide, Ignore, and Explain Away Problems (NYU Press, 2022).
Del Rosso is currently working on a new book, tentatively titled The Lonesome Whip-poor-will: The Untold Story of America's Most Iconic Bird. Representing a pivot toward the study of animals and society, the book will explore the place of the Eastern Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus) in U.S. popular culture.
In addition to this research, Del Rosso has over a decade of teaching experience in a range of areas, including denial, violence, social theory, and the environment. His courses involve a mix of lectures, small and large group discussions, exercises, simulations, and pedagogical games.
Beyond this work, Del Rosso volunteers with environmental organizations, including Denver Field Ornithologists and the High Line Canal Conservancy. He is an avid birder and native wildflower gardener.
Degree(s)
- Ph.D., Sociology, Boston College, 2012
- MA, Sociology, Boston College, 2007
- BA, Sociology, Brandeis University, 2003
Professional Affiliations
- American Sociological Association
Featured Publications
. (2022). Denial: How We Hide, Ignore, and Explain Away Problems. New York: New York University Press.
. (2023). Teaching Toward Hope: Centering Possibility in Courses on Collective Problems. In J. Chin & M. L. Kozimor (Eds.), Emerging Stronger: Lessons from the Pandemic. London: Routledge.
