Assistant Professor of Latin American Studies

Under the general direction of the Chair of the Department of Global Languages and Cultures, Hood College is seeking an Assistant Professor of Latin American Studies (specialization open). This is a full- time, tenure-track appointment at the Assistant Professor rank to begin August 2024. The incumbent is expected to teach 21 credits per year in the undergraduate Spanish program (Iberian & Latin American Cultural Studies), mentor undergraduate students, be an active scholar in their field, and have substantial experience in departmental and college service. The ability to teach language, literature, and culture classes is required.

We are seeking an engaged and enthusiastic colleague and a dedicated teacher and scholar whose work and interests highlight cross-cultural and cross-regional interactions between the Latina American cultural traditions (as well as the interactions between the Iberian and Latin American worlds) and who will contribute to a diverse and interdisciplinary curriculum. Candidates should possess a demonstrated ability to teach and/or develop a range of courses, including beginning, intermediate, and advanced Spanish language courses, as well as thematic and period courses in Latin American Studies.

The successful candidate will have a dynamic and communicative teaching style, with proficiency-based experience in instruction, assessment, and language program coordination following the ACTFL proficiency principles and their application in the classroom. The candidate will foster relationships leveraging the region's rich Iberian and Latin American cultural institutions. This position will also have the opportunity to teach courses and contribute to interdisciplinary college programs like the Honors Program, and graduate programs in the Humanities.

Essential Duties include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Teaching

  • Teaches undergraduate courses in Spanish language, literature, and culture for a total of 21 credits per year; courses must include Latin American literature and culture;
  • Assists in the coordination, supervision, and design of the Spanish language program, following the ACTFL proficiency principles;
  • Assists in the development, implementation and administration of a comprehensive curriculum for departmental majors/minors/certificates;
  • Collaborates with related programs and departments across campus (e.g., Honors Program, and graduate program in the Humanities) to offer courses that support and expand upon student learning and enrich course offerings across campus.
  • Builds and expands departmental and college relationship with regional institutions, with a particular focus on increasing community engagement and opportunities for students;
  • Demonstrates excellence in teaching, scholarly activity, and dedicated service;
  • Works together and oversees Spanish language assistant(s) who help instruct beginning Spanish classes;
  • Plans and designs syllabi, assignments, and assessments for each course to meet Hood College and department requirements;
  • Presents lectures on topics appropriate to course material;
  • Instructs students in course content, manages classroom interactions and establishes and maintains a climate that encourages learning;
  • Maintains weekly office hours, and out of class contact with students as appropriate;
  • Determines grades for assignments and for overall achievement in class. Provides appropriate documentation of grades and assesses scores as required;
  • Other job-related duties as assigned.

Scholarship

Faculty are expected to be active scholars in the Latin American Studies community. Evidence of scholarship may include conference presentations, publication in peer-reviewed journals, books and collaborative research with students. An established record of scholarly publication is preferred.

Service to the Department and the College

Faculty are expected to serve on departmental and College-wide committees, as academic advisors, and as liaisons with student groups. Candidate will be expected to take on leadership roles within the department. Faculty are also expected to actively engage in and support all recruitment and retention efforts.

Competencies

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Disciplinary Mastery: Strong knowledge of subject matter; strong research skills; on-going interaction and/or development of skills related to discipline;
  • Teaching Mastery: Strong knowledge of current language learning theory and appropriate teaching methodology for diverse student populations;
  • Oral Communication: Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; demonstrates group presentation skills; participates in meetings. Presents classroom lectures that are coherent and logical;
  • Planning/Organizing: Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; plans for additional resources; sets goals and objectives; develops realistic action plans;
  • Professionalism: Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments;
  • Adaptability: Adapts to changes in the academic work environment; manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; shows ability to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events;
  • Dependability: Commits resources necessary to assist students to reach goals;
  • Innovation: Displays original thinking and creativity; meets challenges with resourcefulness; generates suggestions for improving work; develops innovative approaches and ideas; presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.

Qualifications

We seek a candidate who values diversity, equity and inclusion in all that they do. Candidates must have strong organizational skills and a proven ability to work collaboratively with partners across campus in support of Hood College’s mission as a student-centered, liberal arts institution.

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications

A Ph.D. in Latin American Studies by the time of appointment required. Candidates with undergraduate teaching experience, and an active record of scholarly activity, including publishing and/or conference presentations, preferred.

Technology Skills

Proficient in MS Office tools (Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), e-mail and Internet. Ability to learn new applications quickly including organization-wide information systems and department-specific software applications.

Language Skills

Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to effectively provide information and positively respond to questions from both external and internal customers both in person and by phone. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

Mathematical Skills

Proficient with statistical and financial concepts. Must have the ability to apply those concepts to tracking, projections, goal setting and interpreting reports. Must be able to draw conclusions from reports and make cost effective decisions regarding programs.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a number of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to work independently and as a member of a group in developing and executing project plans. Ability to work in theoretical arena and apply logic as appropriate.

To Apply

We invite qualified candidates to apply on-line via our electronic application which requires submission of a résumé and three professional references. For full consideration, please apply by December 16, 2023.
 


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