Quebec Studies Program

Since 1963 and the establishment of the Centre d’études canadiennes-françaises, McGill has contributed to Quebec Studies. Since then the Centre became a Programme (1985), and then was transformed into its most recent form, the Quebec Studies Programme (QSP) in 1993. From June 1, 2005 it has been directed by Jarrett Rudy, professor in the History Department. These professors have come from different fields and have brought rich and diverse perspectives to the study of Quebec.

The Quebec Studies Programme looks to foster interdisciplinary studies and exchange on Quebec society.

With support from discrete departments, both Minor and Major Concentrations are offered. These programmes consist of a coherent series of courses providing an interdisciplinary perspective on Quebec society in Canadian and international contexts.

The academic mission and the principal objectives of the QSP are:

• To ensure an excellent education in Quebec Studies within the Faculty of Arts, emphasizing interdisciplinary and complimentary approaches as well as diversity;
• To exercise a leadership role in research and innovation not only in the Faculty of Arts, but also in concert with other faculties at McGill, like the Faculty of Law. The QSP also looks to build bridges with other universities in Quebec, Canada and on the international stage.
• To educate university students so they can critically interpret and understand Quebec’s social, historic and political realities. Key issues here are citizenship, democracy and community integration in a context of pluralism and cultural diversity.
• To allow McGill students and researchers who study Quebec to build networks with other universities, both Francophone and Anglophone, as well as public and private organizations.