معرفی
Professor Jean Elisabeth Pedersen holds a dual appointment as Professor of History at the Eastman School of Music and the University of Rochester's History Department, with affiliations to the Susan B. Anthony Institute for Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies. Her work bridges intellectual/cultural history of 19th-20th century France, comparative European/American history, and feminist theory. She has authored a monograph on feminist activism in France (Legislating the French Family, 2003) and is completing a study on early 20th-century French public intellectuals. Pedersen earned a B.A. from Barnard College, M.A./Ph.D. from the University of Chicago, and has held prestigious fellowships including the Chateaubriand and multiple NEH grants. Her research spans topics like gender and social reform, Tocqueville's comparative methodologies, and the sociology of Durkheim.
- Education: Barnard College (B.A.), University of Chicago (M.A./Ph.D.)
Her research explores how gender norms shape political and intellectual discourse, particularly through analysis of feminist movements, colonial policies, and academic canon formation. Recent work examines transnational feminist networks and the contested legacies of public intellectuals like Paul Desjardins. Pedersen’s interdisciplinary approach integrates literary analysis, legal history, and sociological theory.
Her NEH grants supported projects on French cultural studies, nations/nationalism, and human rights. Awards include the Gustave von Holst Prize Lectureship at Chicago. She has presented globally at venues in France, Netherlands, UK, and Canada.
- Awards: Chateaubriand Fellowship, 6 NEH grants, Monticello Fellowship
Pedersen teaches courses on modern France, international human rights, and comparative revolutions. Though not currently accepting graduate advisees, she has shaped curricula through innovative seminars on gender and historical methodology.
