Cheira Belguellaoui (PhD, 2007)

On completing my PhD in fall 2007 after four unforgettable years at FSU, I took up my current tenure-track position as Assistant Professor in French and Francophone Studies at DePauw University.

I began my doctoral studies in French and Francophone Studies at Florida State in 2003 under the guidance of Dr Alec G. Hargreaves and benefited from generous financial support from the Winthrop-King Fund. During my time as a PhD candidate, I took a wide range of courses which challenged and stimulated me at every turn, enabling me to hone the skills necessary to undertake my research and dissertation on contemporary Algerian filmmaking. In my second and third year I was able to present conference papers in different areas of specialization. As a teaching assistant, I acquired different skills that have helped shape my own teaching style and gain expertise in different classes ranging from grammar and composition to conversation, translation and French cinema. I also had the opportunity to actively participate in exciting events organized by the Winthrop-King Institute for Contemporary French and Francophone Studies including conferences and film premieres in the course of which I met well-known scholars, authors, filmmakers, and others. Listening to writers such as Daniel Pennac and Azouz Begag, conversing with film director Chantal Briet or with dramatist Slimane Benaissa, attending classes conducted by Visiting Professors such as Roger Little and Jean-Marc Moura…all these encounters were wonderful opportunities for improving my understanding of the rich and varied field of French and Francophone studies.

Upon completion of my third year and with the guidance of my director and my mentor, I attended the 2006 MLA where I interviewed with different colleges and universities, after which I accepted my current position at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. My experience at FSU provided me with a firm foundation which facilitated my transition to DePauw as a young faculty member and set me firmly on the path to future research and publications.