Marianne Bessy

Marianne Bessy is the Lois Aileen Coggins Professor of Modern Languages and Literatures at Furman University, where she has served since 2008. She specializes in French Studies with a focus on contemporary migrant literature and the works of Vassilis Alexakis. Her research also bridges pedagogical innovations in second-language teaching and global competence development. She coordinates the French Language program and has received prestigious teaching awards including the Furman Award for Meritorious Teaching (2023) and recognition as an ‘Honored French Citizen’ by the French Consulate (2016).

Education:

• Ph.D., French Studies, Louisiana State University (2008)
• M.A., French, University of Limerick, Ireland (2002)
• Maîtrise d’anglais (M.A. in English), Université Rennes 2, France (2000)
• Licence d’anglais (B.A. in English), Université Rennes 2, France (1999)

Research Interests:

Her work critically examines migrant narratives in French literature and cinema, bilingual authorship, and pedagogical approaches to language acquisition. Key themes include:

• Transnational identities in Alexakis’ fiction
• Migrant cinema and cultural representation
• Metacognitive strategies in language learning
• Cultural integration pedagogy

Teaching & Awards:

Bessy’s awards reflect her excellence in both scholarship and pedagogy, including:

• SCICU Excellence in Teaching Award (2017)
• Endowed professorship (2021–present)

Her publications include monographs like Vassilis Alexakis: Exorciser l’exil (2011) and edited volumes on migration narratives in film and literature. She frequently publishes in journals like Foreign Language Annals and Dalhousie French Studies.