Simonetta Anna Valenti

Simonetta Anna Valenti is a Full Professor of French Literature at the University of Parma's Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Enterprises. She serves as President of the three-year degree program in Modern Foreign Languages and Civilizations and previously held positions as Pro-Rector for Internationalization and Director of the Interuniversity Master's Degree in Languages, Culture, and Communication. Before joining Parma, she was Associate Professor at the University of Valle d'Aosta and researcher at the Catholic University of Milan.

Her education includes a Laurea in French Literature and a PhD in 'Linguistic, Philological and Literary Sciences' from the Catholic University of Milan, along with studies at École Normale Supérieure de Fontenay/St. Cloud as a 'Pensionnaire Scientifique Étranger'.

Research interests focus on:

• French Symbolism and Decadentism of the late 19th century
• Francophone literature (Aostan, Lebanese, Caribbean)
• Theater and poetry of Paul Claudel
• Literary translation practices
• Contemporary Francophone narratives

Her publications demonstrate strong emphasis on Paul Claudel studies, French Symbolism, and Francophone literature from Lebanon and the Caribbean, with recent works exploring Lebanese-Quebec writer Wajdi Mouawad.

Awards include:

• René Willien Prize (2013) for critical edition of Magdeleine Gamba's novel
• Letter of Commendation from Valle d'Aosta's Education Authority (2009)

She has led international initiatives as:

• Head of the University Language Center (Valle d'Aosta)
• Coordinator of binational Italian-French diploma programs
• Scientific director for international conferences on Francophonie
• Principal investigator for PRIN research projects on French literature
• Member of scientific committees for multiple academic journals