Dora E. Polachek

Dora E. Polachek is a Visiting Associate Professor in the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures at Binghamton University. Her academic focus lies in Early Modern French literature and culture, with extensive publications on Marguerite de Navarre, Montaigne, and Brantôme. She has served as the department’s director of undergraduate studies, faculty advisor for Phi Sigma Iota (world languages honor society), and coordinator of the weekly Table Française, fostering French language proficiency and critical thinking skills.

• PhD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (French)
• MA, New York University (French)
• BA, Barnard College (French)

Her research explores the French comic tradition, gender dynamics in early modern narratives, and identity politics. Publications highlight themes such as female alliances, male dominance in literature, and the evolution of historical narratives. Her teaching interests span French and Francophone culture, film, love and war in literature, and resistance by women.

• SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching
• University Award for Excellence in International Education
• Lois B. DeFleur International Innovation Award
• UUP Individual Development Award

Polachek’s scholarly work synthesizes literary analysis with gender theory, examining power structures in French Renaissance texts and their modern interpretations. She has no listed grants, but her leadership roles in undergraduate studies and honor society advising underscore her commitment to education.