Chair of the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures

The Catholic University of America invites applications for the position of Chair of the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures. We seek a visionary scholar and educator to lead us in the continued transformation of our course offerings and degree programs to meet the evolving needs of today’s students. This is a full-time tenured position at the rank of Associate or Full Professor. The start date will be June of 2023.

We seek candidates who understand, are enthusiastic about, and will make a significant contribution to the mission of the University

Responsibilities:

Provide vision and day-to-day leadership in a multi-language department for a diverse faculty and student body

Teach in at least one of the areas within the department

Lead program building at the undergraduate level through strategic planning and recruitment

Provide creative solutions for the reshaping of graduate education in our fields

Maintain an agenda of scholarly activity

Promote faculty excellence in research and teaching

Oversee department instruction and administration

Represent the department within the university to advance its reputation, visibility, and collaborative ventures

Articulate innovative strategies to reach and serve local communities and enhance inclusivity

Foster a collegial and consultative atmosphere that supports the department’s and University’s mission

Minimum Qualifications:

PhD in an area relevant to Modern Languages and Literatures

Native or near native proficiency in English and in another language

Demonstration of teaching excellence and distinguished scholarly production appropriate for the rank of Associate or Full Professor

Previous administrative experience in higher education

Proven ability to work collaboratively and successfully with a diverse group of faculty, students and administrators

About the Department:

The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures is an integral part of the School of Arts and Sciences. Our faculty are committed to providing students with educational opportunities of the highest quality aimed at forming life-long, culturally competent, global citizens. Our courses in language, culture, literature and practical skills prepare majors and minors in French and Francophone Studies, German Studies, Italian Studies, Hispanic Studies and Spanish for International Service. In addition, our faculty contribute to the general education language and Explorations of Literature requirements and to interdisciplinary certificates and minors in Asian Studies (Chinese), Islamic World Studies (Arabic), Irish Studies (Irish), Latin American and Latino Studies, European Studies, and Spanish for Healthcare. Our faculty (4 tenured, 10 full time non tenure track, 4-5 adjunct faculty) are dedicated to innovative instruction, active research and professional development, support for diversity, and the promotion of student engagement with language and culture in the university and DC communities and beyond.

About the University:

The Catholic University of America is a Catholic global research university in Washington, DC, with twelve schools, 3000 undergraduate students and 2000 graduate students. We were founded in 1887 as the national pontifical university of the Catholic Church. On that occasion, Pope Leo XIII urged Catholic University to “give to the republic her best citizens.” For 135 years, our students have contributed to the rapidly expanding world of knowledge in ways that advance the common good and help our country and Church achieve their highest ideals.

To Apply:

For inquiries about the position and to submit your application materials, please contact Dr. Margaret Ann Kassen, Chair (kassen@cua.edu), Department of Modern Languages and Literatures. Applicants are asked to submit the following documents: 

A letter of interest, with an emphasis on administrative experience, research area, and teaching philosophy,

Curriculum Vitae,

A vision statement: a short (maximum 2 page) statement describing your vision for shaping a multi-language and multicultural department within a small, dynamic, research university.

A one- to two-page personal statement indicating how your research, teaching, and service will make a distinctive contribution to our University’s mission and to the vision of Catholic education outlined in the Apostolic Constitution on Catholic Universities Ex Corde Ecclesiae, which can be found here:

The names and contact information for three references.

Review of applications will begin in October of 2022 and continue until the position is filled. The University will perform background checks on all new faculty hires prior to making the final offer of employment. 

The Catholic University of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

 


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