Stéphane Bédère was born and raised in the Basque country in southwest France. After
completing high school, he moved to Paris and then Argentina, where he studied at
the University of Buenos Aires. Upon returning to Paris, Bédère specialized in Spanish
and Latin American studies at the University of Paris, where he earned his undergraduate
and master's degrees. His dissertation, from the University of Lyon, focuses on the
role of political discourse in Paraguay nation's building in the first half of the
19th century. In 2006, he moved to the United States with his wife, who is originally
from Washington, D.C. Before joining ɫ in 2011, he taught as a Visiting
Professor of Spanish at Grand Valley State University, MI.
Stéphane Bédère is an Associate Professor of French and Spanish at ɫ.
He teaches Latin American literature and Latin American Culture and Civilization,
as well as French Language courses of all levels. He also collaborates with the History
department for whom he teaches a course on Latin American history.
In addition to his teaching, Bédère is also a member of the Chiaroscuro International
Film Series.
“Discourse & Nation Building in Paraguay (1810-1840)”. Chesley Lecture Series, Aquinas
College, Grand Rapids MI, April 2018.
“Using Newspaper Articles, Oral Recording, and Films in the Classroom.” French Round
Table, GVSU, Allendale MI, April 2016.
Commentator on Liz Shesko (Oakland University) article, “Partisan Conflict and Conscript
Insubordination in Bolivia's Capital, 1914-1931.” Great Lakes Latin American History
Workshop. Conference on the Americas (COA), Grand Rapids MI, March 20 – 21, 2015.
“El papel de la prensa en la demonización del Dr. Francia.” Latin American Studies
Association (LASA) Congress, Chicago IL, May 21 – 24, 2014.
“El Dr. Francia y el rol del extranjero en la construcción de la nación paraguaya.”
Latin American Studies Association (LASA) Congress, Washington D.C., May 30 – June
1, 2013.
“La ciudad como arma política y símbolo de la lucha de poder. La reedificación de
Asunción bajo el gobierno del Dr. Francia.” Conference on the Americas (COA), Grand
Rapids MI, March 15 – 16, 2013.