Derek Schilling

Derek Schilling is a Professor of French and Director of the Centre Louis Marin at Johns Hopkins University (JHU), affiliated with the Krieger School of Arts & Sciences and the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures. He holds a dual doctorate (PhD/Doctorat) from the University of Pennsylvania and the Université Paris VIII. His research focuses on modern and contemporary French literature, film theory/aesthetics, geocriticism, and urban/suburban studies.

Education:

• BA, Williams College (1992)
• MA, University of Pennsylvania (1993)
• Coordinated PhD, University of Pennsylvania & Université Paris VIII (1997)

Professional Experience:

• Joined JHU in 2012
• Previously at Rutgers University (2002–2012), Stanford University, and Reed College
• Directed Rutgers French Graduate Program (2006–2010)

Grants & Editorial Roles:

• Funded by NEH, DAAD, and SPFFA
• Editorial boards: MLN, French Forum, Symposium, La Revue des Sciences Humaines, French Review, and Liverpool University Press’ “Contemporary French and Francophone Cultures” series

Key Contributions: His 1997 dissertation analyzed discourses of the quotidian in Georges Perec’s work. He actively bridges literary and cinematic studies, emphasizing spatial and urban dimensions in cultural analysis.