Dr. Pierre-Andrè Tremblay, professor of Sociology at the University of Quebec at Chicoutimi, UTM’s partner institution in Quebec, will visit campus this week.

As part of his visit, he will give a lecture, “Contemporary Quebec: Social Changes and the Affirmation of National Identity,” from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, in the Norman Campbell Auditorium in the Andy Holt Humanities Building. This event is co-sponsored by the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, Social Work and Criminal Justice and the Center for Global Studies and International Education.

Even as late as the 1950s, Quebec was still a rural, somewhat inward-looking society, strictly regulated by the Church (in education and social welfare). By the turn of the century, it had become the most liberal society on the continent, with the “modern” welfare state completely displacing the Church in its traditional social and educational roles. As it evolved through these social changes in the so-called “Quiet Revolution,” Quebec also began affirming a distinct “national” identity, which found partial expression in the separatist movement, according to a UTM press release.

In his lecture, Tremblay will discuss both Quebec’s social and political “agendas” and will show how, at times, they coincide while, at others, they diverge and actually conflict with one another. He has pursued extensive research on contemporary Quebec society and has contributed much to the Web “encyclopedia” on Quebec (supported by the provincial government and several universities), called “Panorama du Quebec.”

“He is a knowledgeable, dynamic speaker,” said Dr. Paul Crapo, director of the UTM Center for Global Studies and International Education, “and his remarks should be informative and thought-provoking.”

This event is free of charge, and the general public is invited to attend.

For more information, call 731-881-1023.