معرفی
Francis Mathieu is an Associate Professor of French at Southwestern University, where he has been teaching since 2007. He specializes in French language, literature, and culture with a particular focus on intercultural communication skills. Dr. Mathieu received his MA from Ohio University and his PhD from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 2007.
Dr. Mathieu's research focuses on Seventeenth and Eighteenth-Century French literature, particularly the early modern novel and rhetoric. His expertise spans multiple areas including French Culture and Literature, History of French Civilization, Translation, Food & Health, World War Two France, Multi-Cultural France, Introduction to Modern Literature, and African Literature. He has made significant contributions to the study of Madame de Lafayette's Princesse de Clèves, examining themes of love, gender, religion, and social norms in 17th century France.
Dr. Mathieu's scholarly publications reveal a consistent focus on 17th century French literature, with particular attention to rhetorical strategies, exemplarity, and the intersection of literature with social and political contexts. His recent work has explored contemporary relevance of early modern texts, including analyses of sexual harassment in Princesse de Clèves (2025) and the distinction between conjugal and romantic love (2021). His research demonstrates how historical literary works continue to inform modern discussions of gender, power, and cultural norms.
Among his notable achievements, Dr. Mathieu received Southwestern University's Teaching Award in 2023, recognizing his excellence in classroom instruction and student engagement. His commitment to teaching is evident in his development of courses that strengthen students' intercultural skills throughout the French curriculum.
Dr. Mathieu is actively involved in the academic community, having chaired multiple conference sessions including "Women's Infidelity" at the Pacific Ancient and Modern Languages Association convention (2019) and "Violence against Women in French and Francophone Literature and Film" at the 2021 conference. He has presented papers at numerous national and international conferences, demonstrating his active scholarly engagement.
Born in Besancon, France, Dr. Mathieu brings personal cultural experience to his teaching. Having studied abroad in Ireland during his undergraduate years, and lived in Japan for two years while traveling extensively in Southeast Asia, he embodies the intercultural understanding he teaches. He encourages students to visit his office to discuss courses, the French program, or study abroad opportunities in France.
