Visiting Assistant Professor of French (2022)

The Department of Romance Languages at Washington and Lee University invites applications for a one-year Visiting Assistant Professor position in French (beginning July 1, 2022).  The area of specialization is open.

The successful candidate will have the ability to teach advanced courses in their area of expertise. Teaching responsibilities include French language and literature courses from the beginning/intermediate to the advanced seminar level.

W&L is ranked in the top twelve liberal arts institutions and Romance Languages is one of the largest departments in the College. The Department is committed to the development of an inclusive environment and strives to advance diverse perspectives and approaches within the department and its curriculum. In keeping with the University Strategic Plan, we welcome applications from underrepresented minority candidates and members of other communities that are traditionally underrepresented in academia.

Together with a clear vision for diversity and inclusion work, we especially encourage applicants with a dynamic and communicative teaching style, strong command of language teaching pedagogies, and familiarity with ACTFL proficiency assessment standards. Candidates must also demonstrate a commitment to scholarly research and publishing. The teaching load is 6 courses for the one-year appointment, which can be spread across the 12-week fall term, the 12-week winter term, and the 4-week spring term. The teaching assignments will include language courses, introductory courses on literature and culture, and an occasional upper-level course on a topic of interest.

Minimum Qualifications

  • ABD or Ph.D. in French by start date (July 1, 2022).
  • Strong oral and written communication in English and French.
  • Ability to contribute through research, teaching, and/or public engagement to the diversity of the College.

The university requires employees to become fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and new employees must provide proof of at least their first shot prior to the first day of employment. Boosters are required. Individuals may seek a medical or a religious exemption to the vaccination requirement.

Application Instructions

Review of applications will begin May 23. The position will remain open until filled. To be considered, applicants should submit the following materials through the Interfolio portal at apply.interfolio.com/106263:

  • a cover letter describing the candidate's teaching interests and philosophy, scholarship, and experience in diversity and inclusion work.  
  • curriculum vitae 
  • transcripts 
  • three confidential letters of recommendation
  • two sample syllabi of courses (one lower-level, the second upper-level). 

Semi-finalists will be interviewed via Zoom, and in lieu of a campus visit, successful candidates will have a series of Zoom interviews with the Dean of the College, faculty, and students. For more information, please contact Professor Stephen P. McCormick at mccormicks@wlu.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Washington and Lee is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  As such, we are interested in candidates who are committed to high standards of scholarship, performance and professionalism and to the development of a campus climate that supports equality and diversity in our faculty, staff and student body. Job description requirements are representative, but not all‐inclusive of the knowledge, skill, and abilities needed to successfully perform this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Statement of Commitment to Diversity

Washington and Lee affirms that diverse perspectives and backgrounds enhance our community. We are committed to the recruitment, enrichment, and retention of students, faculty, and staff who embody many experiences, cultures, points of view, interests, and identities. As engaged citizens in a global and diverse society, we seek to advance a positive learning and working environment for all through open and substantive dialogue. 


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