LECTURER: 
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES

FACULTY OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a vibrant, diverse and dynamic university, rooted in the African continent with an increasing global reach. UWC actively responds in critical and creative ways to the development needs of the country, within an ever-changing and challenging global context.

The Faculty of Arts and Humanities is one of the leading faculties in the arts and the humanities in South Africa. Its thirteen departments and four research centres have considerable national and international recognition and are at the forefront of debates in the humanities, languages and social sciences in a transforming society. The Faculty produces world-class research, hosts four Research Chairs, and is well-networked with leading universities globally. Characterised by innovative, creative, and award-winning learning, teaching, and research, the Faculty also has a long-established commitment to working with communities in ways that promote social justice and contribute to broader processes of social transformation. It offers a range of specialised undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that capacitate and educate students across multiple disciplines.

The Department of Foreign Languages, offers a number of foreign languages including, French, German, and Classical Culture from the first year, which are foundation courses, to the second and third years. Besides language acquisition, the department also teaches the literatures, cultures, and films of these languages, as well as Translation Studies. All languages are also taught at postgraduate level.

The department seeks to appoint an individual with relevant expertise to teach and supervise across the areas of Cultural Studies, Classical Cultures, Comparative Literature, and Language Acquisition in one of the department’s language sections (French, or German).  The candidate is also expected to contribute actively to the research and academic life of the department.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Teach courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in Literary Studies, Cultural Studies, Comparative Literature, Critical Media, Film Studies and Humanities, as well as Language Acquisition in one of the sections of the department.
• Design and/or revise modules in Language Acquisition, Cultural Studies, Comparative Literature, or Classical Cultures, ensuring alignment with the department’s strategic focus and the Faculty of Arts and Humanities’ vision.
• Supervise postgraduate students at Honours and Masters level.
• Pursue research and scholarly publication in established and emerging areas relevant to the department.
• Serve on departmental committees and contribute to administrative duties (e.g. coordination of modules and representation on faculty committees).
• Actively participate in community outreach and engagement consistent with the university’s Institutional Operating Plan.

Qualification and Experience:

• A Master’s degree in Foreign Languages, i.e. in Comparative Literature, Cultural Studies, or a closely related discipline relevant to the department’s teaching and research profile.
• Evidence of successful teaching both face to face and online, as well as the ability to design and adapt teaching material for both modes.
• At least one publication in an accredited journal or an equivalent recognised scholarly output, commensurate with the position of Lecturer in a research-led institution.

Recommendations/Added Advantage:

• A PhD (or evidence of registration or near completion thereof) in Foreign Languages, Comparative Literature, Cultural Studies, or a cognate field that contributes to the department’s academic and research strengths.
• Supervision experience at Honours and/or Master’s level.
• Evidence of research activity and potential to contribute to the department’s profile.
• Proficiency (speaking and knowledge) in at least one official South African language other than English, to enable meaningful engagement with Comparative Literatures and Cultures between the department’s language offerings (Arabic, French, German, Classical/Indo-European Languages) and South African contexts.

Key competencies:

• Presentation and facilitation skills
• Adaptability and the ability to operate in a diverse environment
• Student-focused approach
• Coaching and mentoring skills
• Planning and organising skills
• Computer literacy and e-learning skills
• Knowledge and skills in the core strategic areas, namely learning and teaching, research and scholarship, community engagement as well as professional leadership.