Somayeh Kamranian

Somayeh Kamranian is a Sessional Lecturer of French at the University of British Columbia (UBC), with continuing status in French Language Arts within the Department of French, Hispanic, and Italian Studies. She holds a PhD in French Literature from Paul Valéry University, Montpellier, France, and has extensive teaching experience across institutions like SFU and Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

Education:

• PhD in French Literature, Paul Valéry University, Montpellier (France)
• Master’s in French Literature, Paul Valéry University, Montpellier (France)
• Master’s in French Literature, Iran
• Undergraduate in French Studies, Iran

Research Interests: Specializes in 17th- and 18th-century French literature, mystical writing (e.g., John of St. Samson), cosmopolitanism, and intertextuality. She emphasizes accessibility in education through initiatives like the Open Educational Resource Let’s Read French Books.

Awards & Grants:

• 2020 Leader in Open Learning Award (UBC)
• 2018 Zed Credit initiative Appreciation (KPU)
• Recipient of Mobility Grants from University of Montpellier (2012–2013) and IRCL Travel Grant (2011)

Teaching & Advocacy: Implements student-centered, task-based pedagogy emphasizing creativity, inclusivity, and intercultural competency. Co-organized International Mother Language Day events at UBC and KPU. Developed zero-cost learning materials and non-credit French courses.

Labs/Initiatives: Created the Let’s Read French Books OER (2020) and a French literature reading group at SFU.