Daniel Vaillancourt

Daniel Vaillancourt is a Professor in the Department of French Studies at Western University. He holds a Ph.D. (1992), M.A. (1986), and B.A. (1984) from the Université du Québec à Montréal. His research focuses on 17th-century French literature, urban discourse, royal ceremonies, semiotics, and 19th-century Quebec literature. His work bridges literary analysis with historical and cultural studies, emphasizing symbolic systems in power structures and urban environments.

His notable works include Les urbanités parisiennes: Le livre du trottoir (2009/2013), analyzing Parisian urban culture, and La Cérémonie: entre le protocolaire et l’intime (2008), exploring ceremonial rituals. Recent projects examine policing and literature in 17th-century France and semiotic regimes in urban contexts. He has co-edited volumes such as Police et savoirs (XVIIe-XXe siècles) (2024).

Vaillancourt’s publications span literary criticism, historical analysis, and interdisciplinary studies. His research often intersects with cultural history, semiotics, and the study of public spaces. He is affiliated with Western’s Mestengo Press and contributes to academic journals like Nouvelle Revue Synergie and Le Monde français du XVIIIe siècle.

His work highlights the interplay between political power and cultural expression, particularly in urban settings. Key themes include the semiotics of governance, ceremonial practices, and the representation of authority in early modern France.