Steve Beatty

Dr. Steve Beatty is an Instructor in Applied Humanities and Interdisciplinary Studies (AHIS) within the School of Applied Science and Arts (SASA) at Arizona State University. With a deep commitment to interdisciplinary education, Dr. Beatty explores the intersections of narrative, culture, and history through the lens of cinema and the liberal arts.

His educational journey at ASU reflects a deep commitment to interdisciplinary expertise. Dr. Beatty holds a Ph.D. and a B.A. in English, an MFA in Creative Writing, and an M.A. in Rhetoric. This strong foundation in literature and language is complemented by a B.S. in Marketing and an MBA, providing him with a distinctive perspective on how cultural products—like film and commodities—operate within both artistic and global economic systems.

Blending the analytical rigor of the humanities with the strategic insights of business allows Dr. Beatty to approach cultural studies from a multifaceted perspective. Prior to his current role, he served as a Higher Education Account Executive for Apple Computer, calling on institutions across the Southwest. This professional background in technology and commerce made him a natural early adopter of both hybrid and online courses at ASU.

Leveraging this expertise in digital learning, he has developed courses on Great Directors and the French New Wave for ASU Online. In addition, he has designed iCourses on Big-Screen Romantic Comedies, Great Screenwriters, French New Wave, and Contemporary International Films. 

His teaching often explores the intersection of narrative and social systems. This is particularly evident in his courses on Food, Commodities, and Cultures (IDS 311) and Renaissance Florence (LST 470), where he traces the cultural and commercial forces that shape human civilization. His broader portfolio includes studies in horror and thrillers (ENG 324/394), the evolution of romantic comedy (ENG 394), and the history of international cinema (ENG 365/466).

Dedicated to the "applied" humanities, Dr. Beatty prepares students to navigate a media-saturated world by bridging the gap between technical mastery and cultural analysis. By connecting the strategic insights of business with the analytical rigor of the liberal arts, he provides students with a robust toolkit for critical thinking across traditional boundaries.