Job Information
University Of Denver Teaching Assistant Professor Of Japanese in Denver, Colorado
The Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures offers a BA in Languages, Literatures & Cultures with concentrations in Chinese, French & Francophone Studies, German, Italian, Japanese and Russian. We also offer minors in these six languages, as well as Hebrew, and electives in Arabic. The department is composed of 16 faculty members with research and teaching expertise in major world languages and cultures. We prepare and engage students to become informed international citizens, who develop effective multi-lingual and cultural communication expertise and problem-solving skills. Our students apply their linguistic and cultural competencies to a wide variety of majors, careers, and future global challenges, while deepening their empathy for and curiosity about the diversity
Our Japanese curriculum prepares students to engage in a global world, equipped with advanced Japanese language skills, literary and cultural knowledge. Our faculty and students collaborate on opportunities that advance scholarly inquiry, cultivate critical and creative thought, and work to better our local and global communities. Our students are double and triple majors in a variety of disciplines, such as computer science and international studies. They frequently receive highly competitive scholarships, internships and post-graduate positions, such as the US Department of State's Critical Language Scholarships, Boren Scholarships for Japanese and positions in the Japanese Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program. In addition to the BA in Languages, Literatures & Cultures with a concentration in Japanese and the minor, the Japanese program is a key contributor to the interdisciplinary Asian Studies major.
The Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures is strongly committed to building a diverse and inclusive educational environment, which is in full accord with the value that DU places on its commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion. Candidates must demonstrate an ability to integrate content and issues relating to, and to work effectively with, nationally/ethnically/racially diverse populations.
Position Summary
The University of Denver will hire a full-time, appointed Japanese teaching assistant professor, to teach all levels of Japanese language and topics classes, as well as contributing courses in English toward the undergraduate common curriculum. This non-tenure track, 3 year benefited appointment will start September 1, 2024 and is renewable with the possibility of promotion to Teaching Associate and Teaching Full Professor. (Promotions come with longer contracts and salary step increases).
Course load is eight (8) courses per year across a three-quarter calendar. Other responsibilities include: Japanese program service, assisting with developing extra-curricular cultural programming, and working closely with colleagues in the program, within the Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures and across University programs and departments. The ideal candidate demonstrates experience and versatility in inclusive pedagogy. We are especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute to diversity, equity and inclusion through their teaching and service.
Essential Functions
Teaching
Teaching load is eight courses over three academic quarters, focusing primarily on Japanese language and topics courses, with the possibility of contributing to the common curriculum. This position will help build curricular offerings with a focus on contemporary Japanese cultural production, literature, visual culture, and/or game theory. The University is committed to in-person education at the undergraduate level and almost all courses in the College are taught in person. Service
Active collaboration with the department, the College and the University at large
Participation in program promotional activities outside the classroom Research/Sponsorship
Activ scholarship is desirable and supported, though it is not a job requirement for this position. Required Qualifications
ABD at the time of application in Japanese Literary and/or Cultural Studies or a closely related field with a strong Japanese component.
- Record of excellence and effectiveness teaching Japanese language to students at the college or university level for 1-2 years.
- Native or near-native proficiency in Japanese and English
- Ability to teach cultural studies in a Japanese context
- Experience or evidence of a commitment to incorporate inclusive pedagogies to effectively engage broadly diverse student populations.
Evidence of a commitment to quality professional development in teaching. Preferred Qualifications
Record of excellence and effectiveness teaching Japanese language to students at the college or university level for 2-4 years
- Evidence of successful teaching of cultural studies in a Japanese context
- Experience in developing curriculum and teaching courses focused on a variety of aspects of contemporary Japanese Studies.
- Experience in designing courses and in assessing classes and programs.
- Experience and accomplishments in active support of diversity, equity and inclusion and/or working with diverse communities.
- Evidence of pursuing quality professional development in teaching. Working Environment
- Standard office and classroom environment.
- Unexpected interruptions occur often and stress level is moderate to high.
- Noise level is quiet to moderate.