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Assistant Teaching Professor in Italian

Employer
The University of Kansas
Location
Lawrence, KS

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Faculty Jobs
Arts & Humanities, Foreign Languages & Literature
Position Type
Assistant Professor
Employment Type
Full Time
Institution Type
Four-Year Institution

Job Details

Position OverviewThe Department of French, Francophone & Italian Studies at the University of Kansas invites applications for an Assistant Teaching Professor position in Italian. We seek a dynamic teacher with an interest in language coordination and study abroad. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Italian or Second-Language Acquisition/Applied Linguistics with an emphasis in Italian; native or near-native fluency in Italian; record of excellence in teaching college-level courses; excellent organizational and leadership skills; and ability to work well with students, faculty, and administrators; ability to coordinate first and second-year language program as well as create and maintain open-access materials, online learning modules, and assessments; willingness to direct or co-direct the Italian Summer Language Institute program in Florence. The candidate will teach two courses per semester at all levels and supervise the first- and second-year Italian language program. The candidate is expected to remain current in the research and scholarly literature on second language acquisition, foreign-language pedagogy, and applications of technology to foreign-language learning. This is a non-tenure position with up to a 3 year limited term contract, which has the possibility of renewal based upon a comprehensive evaluation.

In a continuing effort to enrich the academic environment and provide equal educational and employment opportunities, KU actively encourages applications from members of underrepresented groups in higher education. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the time of appointment.

The University of Kansas is located in the beautiful, historic, and culturally vibrant city of Lawrence, a thriving community 40 minutes from the Kansas City metropolitan area and 30 minutes from the state capital, Topeka. Lawrence, a progressive college town of 95,000, boasts a lively downtown with many music venues, award-winning restaurants, and a nationally celebrated independent bookstore among its many independently owned small businesses. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the largest school within the campus and plays a central role within the University. Founded in 1865, KU is a designated Carnegie comprehensive doctoral and research university and is one of only 34 public members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). The University enrolls more than 28,000 students and offers students and faculty opportunities to collaborate in its graduate and professional programs, which include education, public health, medicine, law, and a number of allied social science and humanities disciplines.




Job Description75% Teaching Responsibilities:

Teach undergraduate courses as needed by the department. These courses may be offered both on- and off-campus. The courses must be designed to meet the curricular needs of the department. The course load will be two courses per semester (2:2).
  • Prepare adequate syllabi for all courses.
  • Prepare and present course and class activities (lectures, discussions, etc.).
  • Provide examinations, papers, presentations, and other means to evaluate student performance.
  • Be available to students for advising, consultation, and supervision.
  • Treat students with courtesy and with respect for their rights, including, but not limited to, academic freedom and those rights as outlined in the Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities.
Coordination of instruction and curriculum development of first- and second-year language sequence.
  • Course design (including textbook selection, creation of open-access materials, online courses, and creation of syllabi) aimed at implementing learning objectives through specific course components, teaching practices, and organization.
  • Ongoing pedagogical training and supervision of lecturers and GTAs through orientation at the beginning of each semester, class observations, workshops, yearly evaluations.
  • Coordination and revision of all course-wide major assignments, including midterms and final examinations for all first- and second-year Italian language courses.
  • The Assistant Teaching Professor will also be responsible for teaching assignments, ordering textbooks, setting up online learning and assessment management systems for all courses.
15% Service Responsibilities:
  • Faculty members must share in the work of the department, including attending faculty meetings and participating in departmental committees and/or administrative functions.
  • Faculty members are expected to contribute to the profession through contributions to professional associations and conferences.
  • Faculty are expected to participate in extracurricular activities such as Italian Table, as well as engage in recruiting and outreach efforts.
  • The Assistant Teaching Professor will be responsible for:
    • Creation, administration, and evaluation of placement and proficiency tests.
    • Determination of KU credit equivalencies and approval of credit transfer for students who take Italian courses while studying abroad.
    • Coordinating the hiring of Italian lecturers.
10% Research Responsibilities:
  • Faculty members are expected to remain current in the research and scholarly literature in their field, as evidenced in an active and productive research program but also in the development of pedagogical projects, curriculum development, including creation of open-access materials, up-to-date course syllabi and in the participation in research conferences.
  • The Assistant Teaching Professor is also expected to remain current in the research and scholarly literature on second language acquisition, foreign language pedagogy, and applications of technology to foreign language learning.
Required QualificationsEvaluation of the following requirements will be made through (1) descriptions of work experience and educational experiences in letter of application; (2) record of accomplishments and productivity addressed in c.v.; (3) teaching portfolio (this should include two complete sets of student evaluations and a teaching statement/philosophy); and (3) information provided from professional references.
  1. Ph.D. in Italian studies, or Second-Language Acquisition/Applied Linguistics is expected by the start date of the appointment
  2. Native or near-native language ability in both Italian and English
  3. Demonstrated excellence in teaching Italian language and culture in a North American university, including complete sets of student evaluations, a teaching statement/philosophy, and teaching portfolio
  4. Ability to coordinate first- and second-year language program as well as create and maintain open-access materials, online learning modules, and assessments
  5. Ability to ensure ongoing and innovative pedagogical training and supervision of lecturers and GTAs through orientation at the beginning of each semester, class observations, workshops, yearly evaluations
  6. Willingness to direct or co-direct the Italian Summer Language Institute program in Florence.
Additional Candidate InstructionsTo apply go to https://employment/academic/22072BR. Applicants should submit the following materials online: 1) cover letter; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) statement of teaching philosophy; 4) two complete sets of student teaching evaluations from two previously taught classes; 5) a sample syllabus; and 6) Names and email addresses for 3 professional references.

Only complete application packages submitted online will be considered. In addition to the materials above, learning about each applicant's contribution and engagement in areas of diversity is an important part of KU's mission. As a result, applicants will be presented the following question at the time of application. The response must be within 4,000 characters or less.
  • Describe your experiences working with people from diverse backgrounds and explain how those experiences reflect your commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Review of applications will begin May 23, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled. Please note, initial interviews will take place over Zoom. To ensure consideration, apply before the initial review date is advised. Contact Information to ApplicantsDr. Bruce Hayes
bhayes@ku.edu Application Review Begins23-May-2022 Anticipated Start Date18-Aug-2022

Organization

Working at the University of Kansas 

Join the University of Kansas, and you’ll become part of a Jayhawk family that spans the globe. Wear your KU shirt in London, Istanbul, Buenos Aires, Nairobi or anywhere else, and you will likely hear a resounding “Rock Chalk!” from a stranger. Of course, the appropriate response is an enthusiastic “Jayhawk!” Because, after all, they’re not really strangers, they’re family.

The Jayhawk community is united by more than 150 years of tradition and by our commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge, transforming the academic experience, and creating solutions through innovative research. KU’s mission is to lift students and society by educating leaders, building healthy communities and making discoveries that change the world.  

The University of Kansas is the state’s flagship university and one of just 66 invited members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). We consistently earn high rankings for academics and recognition as a premier research university.

KU faculty and staff embrace our role as the state’s flagship university, AAU member and R1 institution that serves the state, nation and world. We celebrate the energy and compassion that infuse the Jayhawk spirit; and, we remain true to KU’s historic values: the elevating force of education, the transformative power of research and the healing power of service.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging 

The University of Kansas is committed to a learning and workplace environment that is representative of our nation and global society, accepts and values everyone, appreciates our common humanity and understands that our multiple differences are the cornerstone of academic preparation, professional excellence and distinction. KU must be a place where all people feel they belong and have access to resources and support that help them attain their educational and professional goals.

We recognize there are inequalities and privileges generated by historical and persistent intersecting differences by race, ethnicity, gender identities, gender expressions, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, abilities, religion, regional background, veteran status, citizenship status and nationality. And we hold ourselves accountable for policies, processes and programs that appreciate these and other differences and create more fair, safe and just learning, working and living environments for KU students, faculty and staff.

Instruction 

KU offers a broad array of undergraduate and graduate study programs, and we fulfill our mission through academic and research programs of international distinction, coupled with outstanding libraries, teaching museums and information technology. These resources enrich the academic experience for students from all 50 states and 112 countries, and provide enrichment resources for KU faculty and staff.

Research 

The university attains high levels of research productivity and recognizes that faculty are part of a network of scholars and academicians that shape a discipline as well as teach it. KU staff are integral to our research success, participating in and supporting discoveries that expand knowledge and improve lives.

Service 

The university and our employees serve society through research, teaching and the preservation and dissemination of knowledge. KU's academic programs, arts facilities and public programs provide cultural enrichment opportunities for the larger community. And, KU offers educational, research and service programs throughout the state. KU employees are encouraged to participate in and serve the campus and surrounding communities in a way that is meaningful to them.

International Dimension 

KU offers more than 100 programs of international study and cooperative research for KU students and faculty at sites around the world. The university offers teaching and research that draw upon and contribute to the most advanced developments throughout the United States and abroad. At the same time, KU's extensive international ties support economic development in Kansas.

Values 

The University of Kansas, our students and employees are committed to excellence. We foster a multicultural, inclusive environment in which the dignity and rights of individuals are respected. Intellectual diversity, integrity and disciplined inquiry in the search for knowledge are of paramount importance.

Our City and State 

KU sits atop Mt. Oread in the center of Lawrence, a town full of natural beauty and culture. In fact, Rolling Stone magazine named Lawrence one of the best college towns in the United States. Lawrence is home to more than 100,000 people, and has a charming, Midwestern friendliness that welcomes visitors and celebrates diversity. In addition to KU, Lawrence is home to Haskell Indian Nations University, the premiere tribal university in the United States.

Lawrence’s historic and thriving downtown features restaurants, nightlife and local shops offering unique finds that you won’t find anywhere else. The town has more than 50 parks, an encompassing mixed-use trail, and quick access to biking/hiking trails along the Kansas River and around Clinton Lake. A five-minute drive from Lawrence, Clinton Lake offers fishing, boating, beaches, camping and other outdoor activities.

Located just 40 minutes west of Kansas City, Lawrence offers the appeal of a mid-size, suburban town with quick access to the amenities of a large city, including an international airport. The Kansas City metro area is home to world-class museums and cultural activities, Jazz clubs and other nightlife venues, expansive shopping options, and exciting professional sports with the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and Sporting KC.

Kansas is in the center of the country, making it convenient and cost effective to fly or drive to destinations throughout the United States. Far from flat, the Flint Hills, just 90 minutes from Lawrence, offer panoramic vistas that showcase the breathtaking beauty of America.

Making KU Your Home 

Something about Lawrence is magnetic. Long-time residents are never surprised when a KU student or employee from out of state decides to make Lawrence their permanent home. And, even those who do leave often find themselves returning to “the nest” at some point in the future. In fact, Lawrence has been named by several publications as one of the best places to retire.

At the University of Kansas, you’ll join a global Jayhawk family and find a place to call home.

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