Bio
Jean-Pierre Taoutel has been a faculty member at ISU since 1999. He is a Teaching Professor of French and Arabic (JP is not currently teaching Arabic classes), launched the Arabic program at ISU in 2002 and served as the Arabic program coordinator (2006-2012), and he teaches honors seminars in the Honors Program. He received his M.A (Maîtrise) and his D.E.A. (Diplôme Etudes Approfondies) in French literature with an emphasis on the works of French writer, Marcel Proust, from the Sorbonne Nouvelle in Paris, France.
Before coming to ISU, he taught French at Hamilton College in New York State (1998).
Jean-Pierre has also directed the MMLA (Middlebury Monterey Language Academy) Arabic Summer Program (2008-2010).
During the academic year 2012-2013, he was on leave to teach French and launch the Arabic program at the American School in London, UK.
Jean-Pierre has lived and worked in four countries (Lebanon, France, UK, and USA). He enjoys traveling, and he has been to 51 countries so far.
Area of expertise
Languages and Cultures Teaching
Topics of interest
Arab culture, Arab history, Arab society, French culture, French history, French society, Politics of the Middle East, Study Abroad, Sustainability in the Middle East, War and Peace
Grants and awards
- 2023: Outstanding Achievement in Teaching, Iowa State University.
- 2023: Louis Thompson Distinguished Undergraduate Teacher Award, Iowa State University.
- 2023: Shakeshaft Master Teacher Award, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
- 2021: International Service Award, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
- 2018: Institutional Service Award, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
- 2009: Educator of the Year 2009, Iowa World Language Association.
- 2009: Honors Teaching Award, ISU Honors Program.
- 2006: McClain Faculty Fellowship, Iowa State University.
- 2005: Excellence in Undergraduate Introductory Teaching Award, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
- 2004: Wakonse Award for Excellence in Teaching, ISU Center of Teaching Excellence.
Study Abroad Programs
Director
- Regents’ Summer Study Abroad Program in Lyon, France
- Cathedrals of France, LAS Global Seminar in France
- En France: Art, History, Technology, and Culture at the Université Sorbonne Paris Nord
- Exploring France in 5 Cities, LAS Global Seminar in France
- Paris: Intersection of Cultures, LAS Global Seminar in France
Co-Director:
- Culture and Economic Diversification in the United Arab Emirates
- Andalusia: Intersection of Cultures, LAS Global Seminar in Spain and Morocco