Adjunct Faculty, Center Languages and Cultures

Apply now Job no: 498218
Work type: Adjunct Faculty
Location: Denver, CO
Categories: Faculty
Division: Arts & Humanities/Social Sciences

Department Summary

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.

Position Summary

The CWLC at the University of Denver seeks to hire adjunct faculty in Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish. Adjunct faculty will teach 4 credit-courses for the first-year language program (1001, 1002, 1003). These are part-time positions.

Teaching load could consist of 1 to 3 sections of the same course per quarter based on candidate’s availability and departmental needs, for up to 6 sections per academic year. The ideal candidate demonstrates experience in teaching the first-year language program, versatility in inclusive pedagogy, and proficiency in communicative, task-based teaching methods. Candidates who demonstrate potential for teaching excellence will be strongly preferred.

Essential Functions

• Job requirements for undergraduate classes include teaching a 10-week course on campus in 4 sessions of 50 minutes each per week, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
• Holding weekly office hours (either on campus or potentially virtually via Zoom video-conferencing depending on circumstances)
• Collaborating with colleagues on assessment creation
• Evaluating homework, quizzes, and exams including those for program assessment
• Participating in group meetings and training led by the First Year Language Program Coordinator and the CWLC Director

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree or ABD in language to be taught, in Second Language Acquisition, or in Education. Closely related fields will be given consideration as well.
• Native or near-native fluency in language to be taught and English.
• 1-2 years of previous teaching experience in the United States.
• Evidence of a commitment to incorporate teaching methods to engage diverse student populations effectively.
• Evidence of teaching using task-based, communicative methodologies which prioritize student-student interactions.
• 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 language to be taught, in Second Language Acquisition, or in Education. Closely related fields will be given consideration as well.
• 3 + years previous experience teaching a university-level course as the primary instructor, especially with courses from the first-year language sequence.
• Experience working in a team, or under leadership of a coordinator.
• Experience managing a course via Canvas.

Work Schedule

10-week sessions with classes held on Mondays, Tuesday, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

While the University’s administrative offices are open Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, faculty schedules vary from term to term and are based on courses taught, service commitments, and research agendas. The University’s academic calendars are posted on the…