French Humanist Advances Career in World Languages, Literatures and Cultures

Russell Cothren, Matt Reynolds or Other

Gilles Viennot

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Gilles Viennot will continue his academic career in the Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures as an assistant professor in The J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. Viennot came to the University of Arkansas as an instructor in 2014. 

"Dr. Viennot demonstrated last year that he brings important new areas of specialization that hold strong appeal for today's student, such as cinema and popular culture in France," said Steve Bell, department chair. "The fact that he happens to be a native speaker of the language is also a big plus."

His dissertation, based on contemporary French author Michel Houellebecq, examined postmodernity through the prism of the crisis of masculinity. Viennot's interests range from literature to popular music and cinema, and he has significant experience and training in translation as well.

"I am happy for this opportunity to continue my career at the University of Arkansas," said Viennot. "Helping students appreciate the language and literature of France has always been a deep passion, and I am honored to be able to pursue it in the Fulbright College at the University of Arkansas."

Viennot is fluent in English, French, German and Italian, with proficiency also in Spanish, Polish, Turkish and Russian.

He received a Master of Arts in contemporary literature from the Université de Franche-Comté, a Master of Arts in literary translation from the University of Paris VII Jussieu/Institut Charles V and a doctorate in French literature (with honors) from the University of Kansas.

About the Department: The Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures promotes J. William Fulbright's legacy of international understanding and global academic exchange. Through the Center for World Languages, courses in 13 languages and participation in many interdisciplinary programs across campus, faculty members empower students to become proficient communicators and acquire a working knowledge of cultures and literatures around the world.