Francine Benny
Associate Professor (Teaching Stream)
| Degrees: | M.A in French Literature, B.A. in French Literature Certificate in University Teaching; Certificate in College teaching. |
| Phone: | 613-520-2600 x 2179 |
| Email: | francine.benny@carleton.ca |
| Office: | 1610 Dunton Tower |
Office Hours: Monday 1:30pm-3pm or by apt.
Biography:
I studied French literature, college education, and language instruction at Université Laval in Quebec City. I held a number of teaching positions before joining the Department of French at Carleton University in 2003.
I taught French and French culture at Université Laval for seven years (1983 – 1990), and French literature at Collège de la Gaspésie et des Iles for two years (1992 – 1993). I also worked as a teacher educator at Collège des Saints Coeurs Byblos in Lebanon (1998 – 2000), where I worked closely with teachers to improve their pedagogy and prepared a weekly journal of tips and reflections for teachers. I have been teaching French language and literature courses at Carleton University since 2002.
I have always been fascinated with words. I write poems, songs, and short pedagogical and cultural texts. I also hold literary workshops in some of my classes. Over time, I have increasingly specialized in teaching French Canadian literature and notably the language, culture, and history of Québec as reflected in its literary tradition.
Research Interests
- The history, culture, and language of French Canada as reflected in its literary tradition, and especially in the literature of Québec.
- French-language Innu literature, notably the works of Joséphine Bacon, Michel Jean and Samian.
- The short stories of Honoré Beaugrand
- Student literature and writing motivation (esp. via attention to oral literature, to popular culture, and to wordplay).
- The use of popular culture in teaching language courses.
- International French-language literature.
- Color symbolism the 20th century novel.
- Narcissism in the late 20th century and early 21st century novel.
2024-2025 Courses
- FREN 1002C
- FREN 1002D (Fall)
- FREN 2203A (Fall)
- FREN 2203B (Winter)
Awards
- Professional Achievement Award (2016)
- Professional Achievement Award (2006)
Creative projects
- First-year workbook (I am currently working on the fourth edition of my Excursion textbook).
- Short poetical, cultural, and pedagogical texts (I am currently putting together a collection of my poetry for publication).
Publications
Books
- Excursion. Livre de lecture; culture et langage; poèmes, dialogues cultures, courts textes, troisième édition, Toronto, Thompson et Nelson, 2018, 198 p.
- Excursion. Culture et langage, deuxième édition, Toronto, Thompson et Nelson, 2013, 198 p.
- Excursion. Culture et langage, Toronto, Thompson et Nelson, 2007, 133 p.
Poems
- “Musicien des couleurs,” in Mot dit, in In/words, Fall 2011.
- “Être et avoir” in Mot dit, In/words, Winter 2009.
Journals
- Le papier bavard, journal culturel hebdomadaire, Collège des Saints Cœurs, Jbeil, Beyrouth, 1998-2000,