LJ Davis Presents Research at International Conference in Morocco
In a remarkable display of academic excellence, LJ Davis, a senior from the School of Diplomacy, presented his original research at the international conference titled "Le futur de la Francophonie," held on June 29, 2026, at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fez, Morocco. This conference, co-organized by Dr. Matthew Escobar, an associate professor of French and Spanish and the director of the French program at Seton Hall University, attracted over 40 attendees, including undergraduate and graduate students from both the English and French departments of the host university.
Davis, who is pursuing a double major in Diplomacy and International Relations and French, delivered a captivating presentation centered around his paper titled "Léon le voyageur, l’exilé," inspired by Amin Maalouf’s renowned novel "Léon l’Africain." His research delved into the intricate ways in which identity is shaped by language, culture, travel, and personal experiences. By analyzing the protagonist Hasan, Davis argued that a person’s identity is not solely defined by their origins, but rather is enriched through diverse cultural experiences and interactions, which allow individuals to retain their fundamental values while embracing new aspects of their identity.
Presenting his findings in Fez, a city that plays a significant role in Maalouf’s narrative, added a profound layer to Davis's project. This unique connection between the setting of his research and the locale of his presentation allowed him to engage deeply with the themes he studied at Seton Hall. Additionally, Davis participated in a roundtable discussion after the presentations, where he engaged with other conference participants entirely in French. He credited his French coursework and study abroad experiences in France for equipping him with the necessary language skills for the event. Reflecting on the experience, he noted, “Although it required a great deal of focus, it also showed me how much my French language skills had grown.”
The groundwork for Davis's project was laid in Professor Youssef Yacoubi’s Mediterranean Literature course, where he first encountered "Léon l’Africain." The course inspired him to explore profound questions of identity and cultural exchange, which became central themes in the paper he later presented. Dr. Escobar commented on the success of Davis's participation, emphasizing that the paper was well-received and highlighting Davis's fluent engagement in the subsequent discussions.
For Davis, the conference also provided a platform to gain insights from diverse perspectives that differed from his own life experiences. One significant takeaway was the realization that differing opinions do not inherently diminish the validity of any particular viewpoint. This enriching experience has influenced Davis's approach to his future academic and career aspirations, reinforcing his commitment to learning from a variety of perspectives and environments beyond his current understanding.
This conference marks a significant milestone in the evolving partnership between Seton Hall and Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University. Dr. Escobar noted that this collaboration could pave the way for future opportunities for students in various fields including Diplomacy, French, Arabic, Africana Studies, and History. Students interested in exploring future opportunities linked to this conference are encouraged to reach out to Dr. Escobar at Matthew.Escobar@shu.edu.
As reported by shu.edu.
