The Year of France

Celebrate Global Cultures. Welcome All.

This academic year, UNG’s College of Education (COE) launches the “Year of” initiative which dedicates an academic year on a specific part of the world and reinforces UNG's commitment to inquiry, curiosity, and scholarship.

We welcome student, faculty, staff, and community members to explore French culture through a six event series that fosters meaningful engagement across cultures in an interconnected world.

This year will focus on France with events planned for the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semester: 

  • Lectures, seminars, and guest speakers
  • Arts and cultural events (films, performances, exhibits, food demonstrations) 
  • Partnerships with local and global communities (businesses, consulates, organizations, and universities) 

Year Of France Events

entrance Sarbonne Chapel france

Teaching in a Secular Republic: Religion and Education in France

Presenter: Evie Munier, Ph.D. (University of North Georgia)

  • September 15, 5 p.m.
  • Cottrell Center Building, Room 272, Dahlonega Campus

Drumming, Encountering, and Imagining

Presenter: Blanche Lafuente

(Villa Albertine, The French Institute for Culture and Education)

  • October 13, 5 p.m.
  • Shott Performance Hall – Room 308, Nix Fine Arts Center, Dahlonega campus
French Cuisine: A Food Fair

A Tour de France of Food and Traditions

Presenter: Multiple Contributors

  • November 12, 5 p.m.
  • Hoag Student Center, Room 207/8/9, Dahlonega campus
Traditional Breton Dancers in the street of St. Malo

Breton Dancing Workshop

Presenter: Laura Demsey, Ph.D. (University of North Carolina)

  • February 18, 5 p.m.
  • Hoag Student Center, Room 207/8/9, Dahlonega campus
Lavender fields in the Provence region of southern France

300 Years of Franco-American Relations

Presenter: Nathan Price, Ph.D. (University of North Georgia)

  • March 16, 5 p.m.
  • Cottrell Center Building, Room 272, Dahlonega Campus
Immigrant neighborhood Marseilles

Les Indésirables: A Conversation on Race and Class in France

Presenter: Brett Bowles, Ph.D. (Indiana University)

  • April 8, 5 p.m.
  • Schott Performance Hall – Room 308, Nix Fine Arts Center, Dahlonega campus

Year of France Program Objectives

The cultural engagement of a university community through interdisciplinary learning helps meet these objectives:

  • Build Competence: Expand cultural knowledge and intercultural skills for students, faculty, and staff.
  • Strengthen Research: Enhance globally focused curriculum and international research partnerships.
  • Support Faculty: Help educators integrate global perspectives into their courses.
  • Empower Students: Prepare students to lead and engage in a global society.
  • Foster Connection: Bridge cultural divides by exploring identity, place, and community.
red white blue france flag in blue sky with clouds

Get Involved

If you would like to participate and support in any events,
email Evie Munier or James Badger