Plattsburgh State Establishes Institute on Quebec Studies

Dr. John Clark (left), interim president at Plattsburgh State, said that the Institute will be launched in February 2004 and will offer a wide range of comprehensive curriculum, research and program initiatives focused on Quebec.

"A hallmark of the Center for the Study of Canada at Plattsburgh State has long been its consistent attention to Quebec," said Clark. "It is therefore only reasonable that Plattsburgh State should be the first institution of higher learning in the United States to conceive and launch such a significant initiative. We are very pleased to be out front in this effort."

Dr. Christopher Kirkey, director of the Center for the Study of Canada, underscored that he is delighted by the emergence of the Institute.

"There is a recognized need in all circles for this program, not only in New York, but across the country," said Kirkey.

"The Institute will prove to be the uncontested leader in providing dynamic educational opportunities and business programming on Quebec. When people in the U.S. think Quebec, they will first and foremost think of the Institute on Quebec Studies at Plattsburgh State."

Dr. Donald Cuccioletta, a faculty member in Canadian Studies, will serve as interim managing director.
Cuccioletta said that the primary mission of the Institute will be to demonstrate through courses and various outreach programs how Quebec has become and continues to be an outward, modern and prosperous society.

"The Institute will promote Quebec in the U.S. by creating through its academic faculty and business-oriented programs a comprehensive understanding of Quebec's historical north-south dynamic within the economic, cultural and political spheres. It will also help create a mutual and beneficial relationship with the U.S. in general, and New York State and New England in particular," said Cuccioletta.

Kirkey said that the inaugural minor program in Quebec Studies in the U.S. is planned to be available for undergraduate student enrollment beginning September 2004.

This innovative six course, 18-credit hour multidisciplinary program will provide students with an intensive immersion in Quebec - including the completion of two full courses in French language instruction and would be anchored around a cornerstone course, Introduction to Quebec.

The Institute will also take a lead sponsorship role in a number of new initiatives including: the Distinguished Quebec Annual Address, Quebec Speakers Series, Quebec Scholar-in-Residence Program, Quebec Business Policy Forum, and a one-day annual celebration of Quebec - Celebrons Quebec! 

Numerous field trips, internship and scholarship opportunities for students interested in Quebec will also be sponsored by the Institute. Working with the Center for the Study of Canada, Institute staff will also contribute to the planning and implementation of the Quebec Winter Symposium, Quebec Summer Seminar and Samuel de Champlain biannual symposium.

A nationally-focused newsletter and Website will be developed, and the Institute's Advisory Council, with representation from academia, business, media and government communities, will work in support of the Institute's activities.

The Center for the Study of Canada coordinates the most comprehensive undergraduate Canadian studies program in the United States. A variety of cultural and social activities and events complement its academic program offerings. Center staff members manage and coordinate and extensive outreach program that includes workshops, institutes, conferences and seminars for students, faculty, teachers and people in business and government on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border.

The Institute will be housed at the Center for the Study of Canada, 133 Court St.  For further information on the Institute on Quebec Studies, please contact Dr. Christopher Kirkey, director of the Center for the Study of Canada, 518.564.2086 or e-mail: [email protected] or Dr. Donald Cuccioletta, interim managing director, Institute on Quebec Studies, 518.564.2086 or e-mail: [email protected]

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