University Of Mobile: Q&A With World Languages Professor Barbara Brousseau

Mobile AL

03 February, 2022

6:14 PM

Description

Press release from the University of Mobile: Molly Grace Watkins February 3, 2022 We asked "Madame B" how her Christian worldview affects how she teaches students in the University of Mobile College of Arts and Sciences. Q: What is your background? A: I studied French and Economics at Georgetown University. My intention was to take the Foreign Service exam and to serve as an American diplomat overseas. When I graduated from GU, I felt called to do a two-year teaching service program in Washington, D.C. to give back to my college's city. This decision changed my life: I never thought prior to this experience that I would become a teacher. I went on to do a master's in teaching, a master's in French studies, and some doctoral coursework. I have taught at UM since 2009, and I just celebrated 20 academic years of teaching. I enjoy getting to teach students about their Creator through the Bachelor of Arts in World Languages and Studies. Q: What is your academic passion? A: My graduate studies and ongoing research revolve around the question of identity.  I am particularly fascinated by places like Quebec, Louisiana, and Martinique where these areas have unique French-speaking cultures but are not independent nations. Q: What is your worldview? A: The idea of being from one nation or another is a human construct. God is the Awesome Creator of the entire universe and won't be lining us up by nationality in heaven. I am a Christian who lives my life, personally and professionally, through the lens of global citizenship. Q: What is something that might surprise your students about you? A: I love math, and I am still very interested in economics, as well as personal finance.  I continue to study how economies function at a global scale. I think all college students should take a personal finance course; from a Christian worldview, we should be good stewards of what Christ has given us – time, health, relationships, talents, and money. This press release was produced by the University of Mobile. The views expressed here are the author's own.