Thomas Broden

Thomas Broden serves as Professor in the Department of French within Purdue University's School of Languages and Cultures, recognized internationally for his expertise in semiotics and linguistic theory.

His academic formation includes:

• Master’s and Ph.D. in French from Indiana University
• Bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame
• Advanced studies at École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (Greimas seminars), Collège de France (Barthes seminars), Université de Haute Bretagne, Université de Paris III Sorbonne-Nouvelle, and Université Catholique de l'Ouest

Broden’s research centers on A.J. Greimas’ semiotic theories, featuring a critical edition of Greimas’ early articles published by France’s premier academic press. His forthcoming biography of Greimas will debut in Lithuanian translation, reflecting his cross-cultural scholarly impact. His work bridges structural linguistics and literary theory within Francophone intellectual traditions.

Notable honors include:

• National Endowment for the Humanities fellowship for sustained research excellence
• French government’s Knight of the Palmes Academiques distinction for contributions to French language and culture

Broden actively shapes academic discourse through peer-reviewing major journals and contributing to international collective works, while his NEH fellowship underscores significant research funding achievement. His departmental leadership advances semiotics pedagogy within Romance language studies.