Dr. Paula Hennessey

Biography

Paula Hennessey is a Senior Lecturer in French at Boston University. She completed her undergraduate studies majoring in French at Wellesley College and pursued graduate studies in French Literature at Brown University. Additionally, she studied at Université Paris-Sorbonne. Paula has taught at institutions including Lycée Descartes in Paris, Brown University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) before her current position at Boston University. Over the years, she has taught various levels of French, coordinating courses LF211 and LF212, and developed a four-semester curriculum for French Reading (LF121-LF222). Her work includes piloting and implementing a language placement test for French and Spanish at BU. Paula served as the Head of the French Language Program for six years and worked as a CAS Language Advisor in the Office of the Dean of Academic Life for 4.5 years. Her passion for creative writing has led to her creating a new version of LF323, focusing on Creative Writing in French. She has collaborated with writer-in-residence Patrick Autréaux and is currently working on developing reading and writing skills using artificial intelligence. Moreover, Paula actively contributes to her community by mentoring students through the Boston Public School Community Service Scholarship and is involved in university initiatives like the Register to Vote Drive.

Research Interests