Christopher Thompson

Christopher Thompson is a Professor of History in the Department of History within the College of Sciences and Humanities at Ball State University, based in room BB 219D of the Burkhardt Building with contact phone 765-285-8742. His academic career centers on Modern European History with deep specialization in French societal development across political, cultural, and social dimensions.

Thompson's research portfolio prominently features the cultural history of bicycling in France, exemplified by his seminal monograph The Tour de France: A Cultural History (University of California Press, 2006), alongside numerous scholarly articles analyzing bicycling's intersection with French national identity. His current research trajectory investigates contemporary France through the lenses of immigration, postcolonial identity formation, and the enduring legacies of colonialism, representing a significant evolution from his earlier work on sport and culture.

His teaching encompasses foundational Western and World History surveys alongside advanced specialized seminars in Modern French and Modern European History for upper-level undergraduates and Master's candidates, reflecting his commitment to both broad historical literacy and deep disciplinary expertise.

Thompson's pedagogical excellence is formally recognized through Ball State University's Excellence in Teaching Award, conferred three times since 2002, and the Master's Thesis Advisor Award, highlighting his exceptional mentorship of graduate students through rigorous thesis research.

As an advisor, he maintains a strong record of guiding Master's students to successful thesis completion, though specific student names and research grants remain undocumented in available materials. His ongoing second book project on French postcolonial identity represents his most significant current scholarly contribution beyond published works.