Italian 2011 - 2012

What's Your Status?
Currently in TT job:

PhD in hand, currently in non-TT job: 9

PhD in hand, currently unemployed: 3

VAP: 3

Adjunct: 3

Other:

ABD, but looking to defend this year: 10

ABD in non-TT job:

Your Field
Medieval: 3

Renaissance: 4

17th:

18th:

19th: 1

20th: 9

Cinema: 2

SLA/Pedagogy (language and culture):1

Linguistics and sociolinguistics:

Other? Define:

Jobs
Use "Heading 3" for names of Schools / Positions

Brigham Young University, Assistant Professor / Instructor
Assistant Professor or instructor of Italian, PhD for continuing faculty status track position. Native or near native Italian required. Specialist in Italian culture or Italian linguistics and/or applied pedagogy.
 * Updates:

Bronx Community College, Instructor or Assistant Professor
Performs teaching, research, and guidance duties in area(s) of expertise as noted below. Shares responsibility for committee and department assignments, performing administrative, supervisory, and other functions as may be assigned. More information here: http://www.bcc.cuny.edu/personnel/personnel1.pl?51+JOB:4994
 * Updates:
 * I applied last spring and it seems the position was frozen, so I haven't reapplied this time.

Christopher Newport University, Assistant Professor TT
The Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures (MCLL) invites applications for a full-time faculty position (renewable, non-tenure-track) in Italian language and literature at the rank of Lecturer. The curriculum currently comprises elementary and intermediate language courses as well as courses on Italian culture and film taught in English translation. Courses taught in translation are typically geared for the Liberal Learning Core required of all undergraduates. MCLL is seeking to expand the Italian curriculum by contributing to the development of a new interdisciplinary minor in Renaissance Studies. Applicants must be committed to undergraduate education and demonstrate the potential for excellence in teaching and research with undergraduates. An earned Ph.D. in Italian Studies, Comparative Literature, or related field is preferred, though ABDs will be considered for the rank of Instructor. The areas of specialization are open, although expertise in Italian Renaissance literature and/or culture is highly desirable. The nominal teaching load for this position is 4:4.
 * Updates: Letter acknowledging receipt of application (12/19)
 * Letter acknowledging receipt of application (12/20)

Colgate University, Assistant Professor TT
The Department of Romance Languages and Literatures at Colgate University invites applications for a tenure-stream position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Italian language, literature, culture, and cinema, beginning fall term 2012. Completion of the PhD is expected prior to or shortly after the date of hire. The teaching assignment is five courses per year, including introductory through third-year Italian, Italian cinema, and courses in Colgate's Film and Media Studies program. Applicants should possess expertise in the history and theory of Italian cinema as well as in conceptual and methodological approaches to film studies.
 * Updates: E-mail request to schedule MLA interview (16 spots available) (12/9)

Florida State University, Assistant Professsor TT
The successful candidate will serve as coordinator of the Italian basic language program, teach undergraduate and graduate courses, including language courses at the undergraduate level. The candidate will devise language syllabi, train and supervise Teaching Assistants, and work towards further developing and expanding the language program. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain an active program of research (e.g. SLA/Linguistics). Excellence in teaching and a willingness to work collaboratively are also essential. In addition to responsibilities as coordinator of basic language program in Italian, teaching load for the position will be three courses per academic year (1/2 or 2/1). Salary is competitive.
 * Updates: Skype interviews scheduled
 * Could you please clarify? Do you mean that your Skype interview was scheduled or do you have information that all interviews have been scheduled?

Gettysburg College, Assistant Professor TT
Preference will be given to candidates who have expertise in Italian Medieval or Renaissance literature. Requirements: PhD in hand at the time of appointment; native or near-native fluency in both Italian and English; evidence of excellence in undergraduate teaching and advising; demonstrated potential for strong scholarship; commitment to interdisciplinary teaching; and sustained living experience in Italy. Candidates must be able to teach Italian language courses at all levels in addition to advanced topic courses in Italian Studies.
 * Updates: Letter acknowledging receipt of application (12/12) (x2)
 * Letter acknowledging receipt of application (11/11)
 * Letter acknowledging receipt of application and enclosed EEOC form (12/13) (2x)
 * MLA interview scheduled by phone (12/15) (x4)

John Cabot University, Assistant Professor TT
John Cabot University, an American liberal arts college in Rome, Italy invites applications for a full time faculty position in Italian Studies with an emphasis in social science. We seek candidates with a Ph.D., demonstrated excellence in teaching and research, and commitment to academic service. The ideal candidate should be a graduate of an American university or have experience within the American liberal arts tradition and specialized knowledge of contemporary Italy. He or she will be expected to teach introductory and advanced courses at the undergraduate level with a course load of three per semester. The position includes developing and directing a center for Italian culture and research as part of the administrative duties. This is a two year appointment with the possibility of tenure after two years. The language of instruction is English. An excellent knowledge of Italian is required.
 * Updates:

McGill University, Assistant Professor TT
The Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Italian Studies from scholars with expertise in one or more of the following areas: the Italian theatrical tradition (including opera and commedia dell’arte) and the relation between dramatic performance and cultural history; Italian intellectual and social history; and/or visual culture and its relation to literature in Italy. Candidates must demonstrate competitive research and publication records, substantial teaching experience, and a strong potential for collaborative research and program development across media, disciplines, and cultures.


 * Updates:
 * In November they contacted me asking to fill out the electronic application (which I had forgot to do). After that, total silence.
 * Any word on this one?
 * Is the interview at the MLA?
 * Are they interviewing??

Middlebury College, Visiting Assistant Professor (Ph.D.), Instructor, or Lecturer
The Italian Department has an opening for a one-year part-time leave replacement beginning September 2012. Appointment will be made at the rank of Visiting Assistant Professor (Ph.D.), Instructor, or Lecturer. Native, or near native fluency in Italian and familiarity with the use of technology in language teaching are required. Specialization open, but preference will be given to candidates with a demonstrated excellence and commitment to language teaching.


 * Updates:
 * (Seems that there is an internal candidate)
 * ok

 Mount Holyoke College, Lecturer in Italian (Senior Lecturer Track) The Department of Classics & Italian at Mount Holyoke College invites applications for a three-year renewable Lectureship in Italian (Senior Lecturer track) starting July 1, 2012. The successful candidate will teach language courses at all levels and, occasionally, courses on Italian culture. S/he will coordinate instructors and is expected to participate in all aspects of departmental/college life. Ability to use innovative technology in the classroom is essential. Ph.D. preferred. Teaching load will be five courses per year.
 * Updates: Skype interview scheduled (12/7) x2
 * Rejection email (12/12) (x3)

Rutgers University, Assistant Professor TT Tenure-track, three year renewable appointment, beginning July 1, 2012 available at the Assistant Professor level in the Department of Italian, with a specialization in twentieth-century literature, theory, cinema and an interdisciplinary approach. Requirements include Ph.D. in hand, fluency in Italian and English, strong commitment to scholarly research, and demonstrated teaching excellence. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain an active research agenda, teach two courses per semester, and contribute to the academic life of the department by advising undergraduate and graduate students, and serving on department as well as university-wide committees

Updates: Writing sample requested (12/9). (x3) Maybe those with experience of other MLA cycles can give some background here...If a school is interested in your application are you typically asked for a writing sample even if you already have peer-reviewed publications? YES.Any sense of whether Rutgers will interview at MLA or not? YESMLA interview scheduled. (12/19) --> Did you receive this via email? And do you know if they were all sent out or are they doing it one at a time? Via email.

Santa Clara University, Associate/Full Professor TT (endowed chair)
Candidates must: specialize in contemporary Italian literature and culture; provide evidence of scholarly accomplishment; be willing and able to teach upper-division survey courses in Italian literature and culture and Italian language courses at all levels; and provide evidence of teaching excellence, with experience in the use of technology and computer-assisted instruction highly desirable. Native or near native proficiency in Italian is required; native or near native proficiency in Spanish or French is welcome but not required.


 * Updates:

Skidmore College, Visiting Assistant Professor
A one-year renewable position in Italian for a Visiting Assistant Professor/Instructor for the 2012-13 academic year for an energetic instructor committed to teaching Italian at all levels. Priority will be given to candidates with demonstrated excellence in teaching at the college level. Minimum qualification: Ph.D. or A.B.D., with native or near-native fluency, open specialization, and familiarity with the use of technology in the classroom highly desirable. We encourage applications from under-represented groups as well as individuals who have experience with diverse student populations; women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply. Review of applications will begin February 15, 2012 and will continue until the position is filled. To learn more about and apply for this position please visit us online at: https://careers.skidmore.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=53486


 * Updates:

Stanford University, Assistant Professor TT
The Department of French and Italian within the Division of Literatures, Cultures, and Languages at Stanford University is seeking applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Italian with a starting date of September 1, 2012. Applicants will be expected to teach courses at both the graduate and undergraduate levels in the area of Italian studies, with preference given to specialists in the early modern period.
 * Updates: Received e-mail (11/22): 100 applicants, non-early modernists now excluded (x2)
 * MLA / Skype interview scheduled (12/7)
 * MLA interview scheduled (12/9)(x2)

SUNY Stony Brook, Lecturer
The Department of European Languages at the Stony Brook University seeks to appoint a full-time Lecturer for the 2012-13 academic year with the possibility of renewal thereafter. The appointee will teach three courses, including large enrollment classes, per semester in Italian American Studies, lower and upper-division Italian language and literature courses, and European Studies. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. with significant training in Italian American Studies, and should be familiar with recent developments in the application of technology and new media to language teaching and learning. Experience with summer programs in Italy and willingness to contribute to the growth of education abroad programs, as well as the ability to teach another European language (excluding Spanish) or Latin would be an asset.


 * Updates:

University of British Columbia, Assistant Professor TT
Candidates should have a specialization within the period from the 18th to the 21st Century in Italian Literature and Culture. Possible areas of interest are: Enlightenment (in Literature, Philosophy, Science and Law), Romanticism; Risorgimento; Verismo; Modernism; Literary Neo-Realism and its Legacy; Contemporary Writing. - I would say not to give up just yet. This is all rather weird and unclear...
 * Updates: Acknowledgement of receipt (11/1)
 * Anyone else not yet received an acknowledgement of receipt?
 * I have not heard anything either. (x 3)
 * I also have received aknowledgement of receipt.
 * Me too (12/8/11). They say they will meet in December to shortlist... (x4)
 * Email acknowledgement of receipt (12/15). It said they will meet in January to shortlist. (x2) However, if they had already scheduled MLA interviews (see below), my sense is that they are confusing applications between their two available positions.
 * MLA interview scheduled (12/15) - Prof. Lamontagne wrote me that The members of the search committee have not yet established the shortlist for campus interviews but have selected a few candidates that they would like to interview off campus. Really? so I guess I'm out of this too :-(

University of British Columbia, Instructor I TT
Candidates should have a specialization in Italian Linguistics or in the acquisition of Italian as a Second or Foreign Language and experience in using and developing language instruction technology. The successful candidate for this position will be the coordinator of the language program in Italian, teach language at all levels and train Teaching Assistants. S/he will possess a strong commitment to teaching, evidence of teaching effectiveness, and promise of educational leadership, and will be expected to maintain an excellent record of teaching and service, and play a leadership role in the development of the language component of the Italian program.
 * Updates:
 * e-mail received (12/13) saying they will meet in January to shortlist.

University of California, Berkeley, Italian Language Coordinator
The Department of Italian Studies at the University of California, Berkeley, seeks to appoint a 100% time Lecturer for the 2012-13 academic year (effective 7/1/12 - 6/30/13), with the possibility of renewal thereafter. The appointee will serve as coordinator of the department's lower-division language instruction program and supervisor of the lecturers and graduate student instructors who teach in it, as well as teaching upper-division Italian language courses and a graduate seminar in pedagogy. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Italian with significant training in applied linguistics and/or second-language acquisition. As well as the ability to perform the above-mentioned teaching and coordinating duties, applicants should also have extensive familiarity with recent developments in the application of technology and new media to language teaching and learning.
 * Updates: request to complete affirmative action form (aka acknowledgment of receipt) received by email on Nov 15.
 * Rejection email (12/12)

University of Dayton, Assistant Professor TT
Tenure-track Assistant Professor of Italian. Specialization: Italian-American Literature and Cinema. Preferred secondary qualifications: gender studies, cultural studies, and/or modern Italian literature. Required minimum qualifications: ABD near completion, experience teaching Italian courses at college level according to proficiency/competency approaches, ability to conduct blended learning courses, knowledge of undergraduate education in the U.S., and "Superior" level proficiency as described in the ACTFL scale in all modalities in Italian and "Advanced High" in English. Preferred qualifications: Ph.D. degree, experience teaching students from diverse backgrounds and learning styles. Substantial publication record required for tenure and promotion. Full participation in all departmental activities.
 * Updates: Skype interview scheduled via email in the week Nov. 28-Dec. 2 (12 spots available)

University of Hull, Lecturer in Italian
The Department wishes to appoint a full-time Lecturer in Italian. The successful applicant will be expected to teach Italian across the range of courses offered within the Department, from beginners to degree level standard. S/he will have native or near-native competence in Italian and experience of teaching in Higher Education would be desirable. The Department offers a portfolio of advanced language modules. Experience in, and an interest in contributing to the teaching of broad-based culture modules covering some milestones of Italian culture from the Middle Ages to the present would be an asset. S/he will join a thriving department and will contribute to a range of interdisciplinary culture modules at both undergraduate and postgraduate level with emphasis on the 19th and 20th centuries and including cinema. The appointee will be expected to make a significant contribution to the research culture of the Department. It is expected that the successful applicant will have a PhD and research publications. Further information at www.jobs.co.uk and at the University of Hull website at http://www2.hull.ac.uk/administration/jobs.aspx
 * Updates:
 * People should know that in the UK, Lecturer is equivalent to Assistant Professor.

University of Oxford, Lecturer in Italian Literature
The successful candidate should have a research record of international standing appropriate to the stage of the candidate’s career with evidence of distinguished research in the field of Dante studies and/or other areas of medieval Italian literature and culture. The candidate will be expected to research, teach, and supervise graduate students in Dante and the medieval period (1250-1400). S/he should also be able to contribute to the teaching provision of the Italian Sub-Faculty at all levels of the undergraduate degree, and to participate in graduate courses and supervision. Candidates should have an excellent knowledge of Italian, established skills in language teaching, and have native or near-native fluency in English, and the ability to teach translation from and into Italian and English. Deadline: December 9
 * Updates:

University of Oregon, Assistant Professor of French and/or Italian Cinema, TT
The Department of Romance Languages in conjunction with the Program of Cinema Studies at the University of Oregon invites applications for a tenure-track position as Assistant Professor of French and/or Italian Cinema Studies, beginning Fall 2012. Field of specialization: 20th century French and/or Italian Cinema. Secondary fields in media theory, Francophone, and Italian-American film studies are also desirable.
 * Updates:

University of Washington, Assistant Professor TT
Permanent, full time, assistant level, tenure-line position to begin September 2012. Specialization in Italian medieval/Dante studies with interdisciplinary interests. Requirements: Ph.D. or equivalent (candidates in the final stages of the Ph.D. program may be appointed on an acting basis), native or near-native fluency in Italian, demonstrated excellence in research and teaching. University of Washington faculty engage in teaching, research and service.
 * Updates: Acknolwedgement of receipt (11/15)
 * MLA interview scheduled via email (12/5) (x 3)

University of Western Ontario, Assistant Professor TT (Italian / Comp. Lit.)
The University of Western Ontario, Department of Modern Languages and Literatures invites applications for a Probationary (tenure-track) position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Comparative Literature and Italian to begin July 1, 2012. A Ph.D. in Comparative Literature or Italian, a specialization in Renaissance or modern Italian literature, expertise in literary theory an asset, native or near-native fluency in Italian, a proven track record in teaching, and an excellent scholarly profile are required. Responsibilities will include undergraduate teaching in Italian language and literature, undergraduate and graduate teaching in Comparative Literature, and M.A. and Ph.D. thesis supervision in Comparative Literature.
 * Updates:

Vanderbilt University, Senior Lecturer
Senior Lecturer in Italian, in language and culture instruction. PhD required. One-year appointment with the possibility of renewal. Annual teaching load is 6 courses (3-3). Service commitment includes additional departmental responsibilities commensurate with the position. Special consideration will be given to candidates with expertise in technology-assisted language learning, in Italian-American culture, and in the integration of Italian culture in language learning. Also desirable is willingness to organize cultural activities for students both in and outside of the classroom. Native or near-native proficiency in Italian required. Review of applications will begin December 1, 2011. Please send letter of application and complete dossier (including c.v., letters of recommendation, statement of teaching philosophy, and numerical teaching evaluations from past two years of teaching, if available) to Véronique Homer, Department Administrator, Department of French and Italian, VU Station B Box 35-6312; 2301 Vandebilt Place, Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN 37235-6312.


 * Updates: starting to schedule MLA interviews. Hopefully to be completed this week (12/13).
 * MLA interview scheduled (12/15)
 * Rejection letter received (12/15) (x2)

Word on the Street
Re: Western Ontario and UBC, does anyone know what the typical course is on Canadian hires? Will these schools seriously consider non-Canadian citizens/residents?

I know that a few years ago WO extended an offer to a non-Canadian citizen/resident (not me, personally, a colleague...) An American colleague of mine who is in French was recently hired for a TT position at a Canadian university. He is adamant that the days of giving preference to Canadian candidates are over. According to him, schools (especially large research institutions) want to hire the most impressive applicant - wherever he or she might be from.

Canadian schools have to justify hiring non-Canadians. I think the same argument could be made for American schools that hire non-Americans.

Does anyone knows if they hire male professors too at Cabot? I looked at the department and there are no men at all. Like 15 women but no men.

I noticed very same thing. I think it's really weird. Also: did you notice the high number of professor from New York?

Question on timelines - I am a historian, not formally in Italian studies; my experience of the job cycle has always been based around the yearly meeting of the AHA in early January, with on-campuses in late Jan/early Feb. Is it the same for most Italian studies-type searches? Are there typically conference interviews, and if so, at which conference? Or is there no general practice? Thanks for any insight.

Some schools interview at MLA conference (www.mla.org) in early January and others interview via Skype or phone.

At the U of Dayton, there is an internal candidate applying. -- Oh yes! The life of internal candidates is hard and our life - as non-internal candidates - is hard as well. But it is part of the game. What can we do? Not to apply for jobs because there are internal candidates, candidates with better pedegree, or candidates with "spinte"? I learn from interviews, seeing them as experience. Hopefully, one day, this experience will bring me a job. Or maybe not. Who knows? We are so many on the Job Market and all of us deserve a job repaying the long years of sacrifice and study, but it is not written on stone. Notwithstanding that, I personally decided for a positive attitude. Good luck to everybody! - I think the person's point was that the playing feild is not level, which of course makes it even harder for those outside (especially if the inside candidate is liked by the dept).

Anyone get acknowledgement of receipt from Western Ontario - human resources survey postcard, anything? I'm starting to wonder if my materials made it given the early deadline and total silence.

--> Total silence x4

--> I got a notification that my application was incomplete/request to send another letter a day or two before the deadline, but nothing since.

Has anybody applied to the position at FIT in NYC? Anybody heard anything back from them?

--> Total silence there as well. I believe web app did say they would only contact applicants if selected for interview.

--> Seems a bit early, given that the deadline is today (11/30), no?

--> Totes, but this utter silence is disconcerting so late in the season...

-- I agree, this silence is disconcerting. I am wondering if schools will interview at MLA this year, beyond Gettysburg.

--> I hope we get word on that soon... I wouldn't mind skipping Seattle saving the money!

>This is still early! From past experience it can be much nearer Christmas before you even get a hint of an interview. Bear in mind too that the search committees probably won't have a chance to look at materials until their semesters finish.

--> on the faculty website of the FL department (http://www.fitnyc.edu/3019.asp) it states that they have 6 adjuncts for italian... am i the only one fearing that that this will be an internal choice rather than an external one?

--> I don't have that impression.

--->There can be any number of reasons why people are adjuncts: not everyone wants a full time contract.

--> It's true that the search committees never get around to making decisions until December... so why do they need to start receiving applications in mid-October?? I'd much prefer to have one hellish week in mid-November doing all the applicaitons than having the process torturously dragged out all semester long!

---> I agree. And I'm also irked by the fact that so many institutions don't even acknowledge receipt of the material. I don't expect a formal letter handwritten in golden ink; I'd be happy with a simple email along the lines of "Dear applicant, we received your material. Thank you for your interest in our department." Even better if they add a line such as "The search committee is expected to make a decision by mm/dd/yy." So at least applicants know what the timeline is. - This is how it's done in the UK (i.e., give you a deadline of when you shoudl hear back from them)...very nice way of managing your stress!

---> Guys: There are 3 other job postings: Christopher Newport University (Lecturer). I applied last spring, was rejected, I'm not going to reapply, maybe you guys are luckier. Vanderbilt University (Senior Lecturer), I am not reapplying either.

New TT position posted at Quinnipiac University and VP at Susquehanna University.

University of Dayton, Assistant Professor, TT

 * They had no clue what they were looking for! Or maybe they did and were only going through the motions??
 * Last year, for the instructor position: very nice people. I was stuck on an ACTFL levels question. What did they ask you on the ACTL standards?
 * Very nice panel, rather standard interview. Seems they really have no one for Italian, as the faculty member asking questions in the language was German, and not particularly fluent.
 * They did have someone in Italian but that person retired this year -- let's hope they don't do what other depts have done and let the program slowly decay...