Professor Dr. Robert Morrissey

Biography

Robert Morrissey is the Benjamin Franklin Professor of French Literature at the University of Chicago, where he specializes in the interplay of literature, poetics, ideology, and politics, particularly within the context of French cultural history. His research explores the dialectics of tradition and innovation, focusing on cultural currents and their roles in shaping collective identity. He has delved into significant themes in the French tradition, including the mythical historical figure of Charlemagne and the discourse surrounding national identity. Morrissey's teaching encompasses the 18th and 19th centuries, presenting courses on influential authors like Montesquieu, Rousseau, Chateaubriand, and Stendhal. He has a keen interest in the narratives of self and heroism, often engaging with landmark texts like Hugo's Les Misérables. He has directed the ARTFL project at the UChicago Center in Paris, promoting the study of French literature in a digital humanities framework.

Research Interests

Experience

Courses