Visiting Scholar in Premodern Japanese Culture

The Department of Foreign Languages at Western Michigan University seeks applications for a visiting scholar of premodern Japanese culture, one-year, non-tenure track, non-benefits eligible, for the 2012-2013 academic year. The candidate should be a scholar of premodern Japanese culture (PhD or ABD status). The candidate should be specialist in literature, language, cultural history, or gender studies and have native or near-native Japanese-language ability.

The visiting scholar will teach a variety of courses to undergraduates in cultural history, literature, and potentially other fields related to his or her specialty. The visiting scholar will pursue research in his/her field and participate in activities of the WMU Soga Center for Japan Studies, including presentations and workshops. Scholars who can contribute to the growing WMU Summer Translation Program or WMU’s internationally known Medieval Institute are especially desirable. The position will begin in August 2012. It is funded in part by a Japan Foundation Institution Building grant and will support a new undergraduate Japanese major beginning at Western Michigan University in Fall 2012. Pending budget approval from the Japan Foundation, the position may be extended to a second year.

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has placed WMU among the 76 public institutions in the nation designated as research universities with high research activity. WMU is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer consistent with applicable federal and state law. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. To receive full consideration, please apply by January 16, 2012. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Applicants should send a letter of application and vita to Dr. Cynthia Running‐Johnson, Chair, Department of Foreign Languages, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008‐5338. Fax: (269) 387‐6333; e‐mail: c.running‐johnson@wmich.edu. Applicants should have transcripts and three letters of reference sent to Dr. Running‐Johnson as well.

The website of the Department of Foreign Languages (including information about the Summer Translation Program) can be found at www.wmich.edu/languages, the Soga Japan Center at www.wmich.edu/japancenter, and the Medieval Institute at www.wmich.edu/medieval.