Patrick Moser

Patrick Moser is Professor of French in the Languages & Literature school at Drury University, where he has been a faculty member since 1998 and achieved full professorship in 2012. His academic work uniquely bridges French language instruction with cultural history, particularly focusing on the history of surfing and California beach culture.

Dr. Moser earned his B.A. from the University of California-Berkeley (1989), Ph.D. from the University of California-Davis (1997), and M.F.A. from the University of Arizona (2007). His scholarly trajectory reflects his dual commitment to literary studies and cultural history.

His research primarily examines how cultural practices like surfing travel across geographical boundaries and transform in new contexts. This interdisciplinary approach combines literary analysis with historical investigation, particularly exploring the appropriation of Hawaiian beach culture by California. His work demonstrates how regional histories can illuminate broader patterns of cultural exchange and identity formation.

Dr. Moser's publications span academic journals like The Journal of the Polynesian Society and Pacific Historical Review, literary magazines including TEXT and Bamboo Ridge, and popular surf publications such as The Surfer's Journal. This versatility reflects his ability to write for both scholarly and general audiences.

• Carol Houck Smith Fellowship in nonfiction at the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference
• Mayers Fellowship at the Huntington Library

As an educator, Dr. Moser has led study abroad programs in France, serves as faculty advisor for the Drury Writing Club, and coordinates campus tutoring services. His teaching encompasses Creative Writing, Literature, and French courses, consistently connecting language studies with cultural history.