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While studying abroad last year in Dijon, France, Laura Sims ’07 witnessed living history that would become the focus of her honors thesis.
During the November 2005 riots in the suburbs of France, Sims became interested in the perspectives on integration of North African immigrants living in the banlieues. Banlieues is the French term for suburbs, which specifically in this case refers to low income housing.
To conduct her research, Sims analyzed texts in French, accounts from traditional scholars, and eight works of autobiographical fiction written by children of the immigrants about the challenges they faced.
“Through these works I examined their mentality and how they perceived their role in French society, in the context of what scholars say about that reality,” explains Sims, who graduated May 19 with an A.B. with majors in international affairs and French. “My work was exciting because very little research has been done on these works as tools for understanding the immigrant condition in France.
“From this research, my goal was to understand the issues that led to the outbreaks of violence in the French banlieues in November of 2005. This is an important issue in Europe because many countries are struggling to integrate their non-European
immigrants, and suffer from social unrest when they are unsuccessful in this
task.”
Sims presented her research at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research this April. At the conference, Sims was able to gain insight from students and faculty from other schools, which she utilized in the final draft of her honors thesis. Accompanied by other Lafayette students, Sims adds that the experience was also a great way to learn about what other studies her peers were engaged in.
Robert Weiner, Jones Professor of History, has had the chance to see her blossom as a bright young scholar since her first year at Lafayette and served as her thesis advisor. He boasts her project is “extremely developed and well-written.”
Sims’ thesis topic stems from Excel research she completed with Weiner, who is writing a book on the Jewish community in Dijon. Sims translated articles from this community’s monthly journal and oral interviews that Weiner conducted with residents.
“Through this work, I have learned about the concerns facing many French Jews, and have been able to study their relationships with other minority groups in France, including immigrants of North African origin,” explained Sims. “Also, I gained experience in using a community’s texts to interpret their view of their role in society.”
Sims is impressed with the attention she has received from the skilled faculty at the College.
“At Lafayette, the professors are very encouraging and allow you to work at your own pace,” Sims says. “As accomplished scholars in their respective fields, they offer advice in organizing and completing large year-long research projects. They are very knowledgeable, and offer excellent instruction, but let you ultimately decide the direction you want your research to take.”
Weiner adds that the close-knit environment Lafayette fosters enables students to get input from faculty across disciplines bestowing invaluable resources for their research. In Sims’ case, Weiner advised her on historical context while Chris Reyns-Chikuma, assistant professor of foreign languages and literatures, provided guidance with the literature. Additionally, Ilan Peleg, Charles A. Dana Professor of Social Science, offered his expertise.
Sims is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Iota Rho (international affairs) honor societies. She served as a peer tutor in international economics, and was a member of Le Petit Cercle (French club) and of Alpha Phi Sorority. She is also the recipient of the James Alexander Petrie Prize in French, which is awarded annually to a student demonstrating a high degree of proficiency in French.
Honors theses are among several major programs that have made Lafayette a national leader in undergraduate research. The College sends one of the largest contingents to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research each year; 21 students were accepted to present their research at this year’s conference.