Stephanie Schechner
Stephanie Schechner, Ph.D.
Professor of French &
Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies
Chair, Modern Language Department Secretary, Women in French
Widener University
Stephanie believes that studying French should not be an end in itself, but rather a means to connecting with others around the world. Studying language, literature, and culture requires a willingness to grow as both student and instructor seek to understand people from other countries and from other times. The benefits for those who pursue these fields of study are multiple: the ability to communicate in more than one language, a greater understanding of oneself and one's own culture, an appreciation of other ways of thinking, the opportunity to read great literary works, the ability to reflect critically on literature and culture, among others.
​
At the same time, such study demands that the learner engage in self-examination in a way that is often uncomfortable. One is forced to wonder why one holds certain beliefs, why one speaks in a certain way, and why one's culture functions in the ways that it does. This questioning often leads to unforeseen discoveries for both learner and instructor alike. Students in Dr. Schechner's classes can expect to increase their fluency in French and to develop a range of skills that will serve them well no matter what career they choose to pursue.
​
Affiliations
Humanities, Modern Languages, Gender & Women's Studies
​
Awards:
College of Arts and Sciences Nominee, Outstanding Researcher, 2013; Student Life Leadership Award for Excellence in Advising, 2011; Faculty Development Grant, 2014
​
​Organizations:
Guinean Alliance for Education and Development, Women in French, American Association of Teachers of French, American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, Modern Language Association
​
Education
• PhD French literature 1997, University of Wisconsin--Madison (WI)
• MA French literature 1991, University of Wisconsin--Madison (WI)
• BA French and Interdisciplinary Studies 1990, Amherst College (MA)
​
About Widener University
Widener University is a private, metropolitan university that connects curricula to social issues through civic
engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention, leadership development and experiential
learning are key components of the Widener experience. A comprehensive doctorate-granting university, Widener
comprises seven schools and colleges that offer liberal arts and sciences, professional and pre-professional curricula leading to associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees.