French North American Studies at USM's
Lewiston-Auburn College
July 2004
Are you interested in learning about the history of the French
in North America? Want to develop a greater appreciation for
the diversity of French society on our continent? If so, you
may want to explore the academic concentration in French North
American Studies at USM’s Lewiston-Auburn College.
Offered through the baccalaureate program in Arts and Humanities,
this concentration builds on the following two central courses:
French North American Studies, a survey of the diversity of
French society from Maine to Haiti and Capes to the Yukon,
and French Settlement in the Northeast, which examines the
exciting dynamics of French settlement in our part of the
country. Individual research is emphasized in both courses,
such as investigating Lewiston-Auburn's heritage and the forgotten
French communities in other parts of the State.
The French North American Studies course will be offered
in the fall semester by Dr. Barry Rodrigue. "Students
have an opportunity in this course to experience the rich
panorama of our continental French heritage," said Rodrigue.
“We employ both sociological and historical approaches
to better reflect the diversity of French experiences on this
continent and also to break down stereotypes.” The course
may also include guest speakers and field trips.
The French North American Studies course will meet Thursdays,
1:00 - 3:30 p.m., beginning September 2. Registration is open
through the first week of classes. Anyone interested is encouraged
to call the College at 753-6530 for registration information.
Students conducting research for these courses have access
to the Franco American Heritage Collection located at the
College. The Collection, formerly known as the Centre d'Heritage
Franco-Americain, is an extensive archive of documents, photographs,
books, and artifacts relating to Franco-American history and
culture in Lewiston-Auburn. The Collection is open to the
public Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:30 - 5:00, and Thursdays,
8:30 - 12:30. For more information, please call Donat Boisvert
at 753-6545.
