Instructor Highlight – Dr. Olivier Courteaux

Date : 19-11-21

Eight Days that Made History

Dr. Olivier Courteaux is a historian, author, and instructor with a focus on History of International Relations in the 19th and 20th centuries. In his lectures, he explores the conflicts in history, including espionage, and propaganda.

Learn more about Dr. Courteaux below!

About Dr. Olivier Courteaux

A Passion for History

Dr. Olivier Courteaux graduated from the University of Paris-Sorbonne with a Doctorate in History. He also received a B.A. in History and an M.A. in war and conflict studies. Courteaux has lectured at a number of Canadian universities, including Glendon College, Ryerson University, and the Royal Military College of Canada. His passion for history and curiosity has fueled his education and desire for research. It has led him to write three books, The War on Terror: The Canadian Dilemma (2009), Canada Between Vichy and Free France, 1940-1945 (2013), and Quatre Journées qui ébranlèrent le Québec on Charles de Gaulle's famous 1967 "Vive le Québec libre" (2017). Dr. Courteaux enjoys his field so much he is working on a fourth book!

A Keen Interest in Education

Dr. Courteaux teaches a variety of different courses delving into history. His lectures vary from global conflicts to famous figures. Being raised in Paris, France, Courteaux developed an interest in historical figures at a young age. One of his favourites being Marie-Antoinette — The last Queen of France. “To this day, I continue to research and read about her tragic life. I have lectured on Marie-Antoinette on many occasions, which has allowed me to dispel some of the preconceived notions and clichés about her,” says Courteaux. Dr. Courteaux enjoys being able to go back in time with his lectures and inform students on various topics of interest.

A History in Academics

Dr. Courteaux has been teaching at The LIFE Institute for many years and values the students and staff. He enjoys the sense of community offered at The LIFE Institute, citing program manager Rosanne as amazing, approachable, and always so helpful. When asked about his students at The LIFE Institute, Dr. Courteaux shares, “They are a much better audience than the younger crowds—engaged and interested. When they choose a course, it is because they have an interest in the topic or are eager to learn about it.”

Joining The LIFE Institute as an Instructor

Dr. Courteaux joined The LIFE Institute after being recruited from Ryerson University. He has been teaching at The LIFE Institute since 2012.

Although, Courteaux was raised in Paris, France, he moved to Toronto permanently in 1993. In his time in Canada, he initially spent 5 years in Montreal. In 2020, he moved back to Ontario where he felt more at home. Currently, Dr. Courteaux lives in the small town of St Thomas.

Sign Up for Courses at LIFE in Winter 2022

Dr. Courteaux’s course is just one of many in which students may enroll in Winter 2022. For more information about course registration and the variety of available courses, see Archaeology to Art, Genetics to Politics - Online Courses to Enable Lifelong Learning.