Daniel J. Worden

Daniel J. Worden is an Assistant Professor of French at Furman University, specializing in French literature of the long seventeenth century, science fiction, and environmental humanities. His research explores themes of imposture, baroque aesthetics, and intersections between literature and science. He earned a Ph.D. in French from Princeton University (2015) following degrees from the University of Oregon. Worden has received awards including the 2020 South Carolina Humanities Grant and the 2011 Alfred Foulet Teaching Award.

Education

• Ph.D., French, Princeton University, 2015
• M.A., French, Princeton University, 2010
• M.A., French, University of Oregon, 2006
• B.A., French, University of Oregon, 2004 (Magna cum laude)

Research Interests

Worden focuses on early modern French literature, science fiction as a trans-historical genre, baroque aesthetics, and environmental humanities. He investigates how literature reframes contemporary issues through historical and imaginative lenses, particularly through works by authors like Cyrano de Bergerac and Tyssot de Patot. His work bridges literary analysis with ecological and cosmological themes.

Awards & Grants

• 2020 South Carolina Humanities Grant
• 2013 Excellence Scholarship, Geneva Summer School
• 2012 Research Grant, Princeton University
• 2011 Alfred Foulet Teaching Award

Teaching & Advising

Worden emphasizes accessibility to students at all levels, inviting curiosity about French language and literatures’ roles in understanding societal and environmental issues. While no specific advisees are listed, his teaching reflects engagement with interdisciplinary topics.