Job Information
University Of Denver Teaching Assistant Professor Of Chinese, CWLC in Denver, Colorado
The Center for World Languages and Cultures (CWLC) promotes engaged learning, teaching, and practice of the world's languages and cultures; integrates languages and cultures into all disciplines and fields of study; and builds and supports interculturally competent communities through the exploration and experience of languages and cultures at the University of Denver with its local and global communities and partners. The CWLC is part of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS), the University's largest unit.
Housed in the CWLC, the first-year language program (FYLP) offers study in nine languages and aids students in experiencing the world through the lens of an acquired language, and in understanding cultures -their own and others - from a position different from their primary language and cultural identification. The linguistic contribution to intercultural competency - that is to say, understanding another culture in the language of that culture and not just through the translations and perspectives of a mother-tongue and culture - is integral to achieving personal, social, and professional successes in a multi-cultural and global future.
The first-year Chinese program provides students with an introduction to the Chinese language and culture and prepares students to study further through the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (LL&C). LL&C offers both a major and a minor and supports dual-degree seekers who want to pair their knowledge of Chinese with majors like international studies, international business, and intercultural communications.
The CWLC is strongly committed to building a diverse and inclusive educational environment, which is in full accord with the value that DU places on its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Candidates must demonstrate an ability to integrate content and issues relating to, and to work effectively with, ethnically/racially diverse populations.
Position Summary
The University of Denver will hire a full-time, appointed Chinese teaching assistant professor to teach the first-year Chinese language sequence as well as humanities courses (or area of specialization) taught in English for the Common Curriculum, and other relevant courses as needed. This is a non-tenure track position that provides a three-year contract with full benefits and is renewable with the possibility of promotion. (Promotions to teaching associate and teaching full professor come with longer contracts.)
The appointment will start on September 1st, 2024. Course load is eight (8) courses per year, spread across a three-quarter calendar. Other responsibilities include developing a rigorous first-year curriculum, leading Chinese section meetings and adjunct faculty in the FYLP, advising students on placement, participating in retention and recruitment efforts, implementing program assessment in the spring quarter, working closely with other CWLC faculty to support CWLC endeavors,and coordinating with the Chinese faculty in the LL&C toward building a cohesive Chinese program.
Candidates who demonstrate potential for teaching excellence, commitment to culturally responsive teaching, and ability to implement innovative teaching and learning approaches will be strongly preferred. We are especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute to diversity, equity, and inclusion through their teaching and service.
Essential Functions
Teaching
- Teach eight classes over three academic quarters including first-year language courses, humanities courses (or area of specialization) taught in English contributing to the Common Curriculum, and other relevant language courses as needed,
- Develop first-year sequence curriculum and assessments,
Develop common curriculum humanities courses taught in English. Service
Coordinate the Chinese sections in the FYLP,
- Assess the first-year Chinese progra annually with other colleagues as appropriate
- Participate in CWLC meetings and committees, as well as CAHSS and University committees,
Actively collaborate with CWLC colleagues and with the department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures program faculty on recruitment and language advocacy initiatives. Research/Scholarship
Active scholarship is welcome and supported, though it is not a job requirement for this position. Required Qualifications
Master's degree or ABD in Chinese Linguistics, in Second Language Acquisition with a focus on Chinese by time of appointment. Closely related fields will be given consideration as well.
- Native or near-native fluency level in Mandarin Chinese and English.
- 2 or more academic years (18 months) of experience in teaching Chinese language to Anglophone students at the college or university level (e.g., Teaching Assistant as an "instructor of record" with grading responsibilities).
- Evidence of teaching using task-based, communicative methodologies which prioritize student-student interactions.
- Evidence of implementing culturally responsive teaching practices.
- Experience or willingness to learn course management systems such as Canvas.
Availability to teach classes "face-to-face" in physical classrooms at the University of Denver. Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. in Chinese Linguistics, in Second Language Acquisition with a focus