How to Apply
All materials are to be combined into a single pdf document and uploaded as one document through the University of Michigan job application website. Applicants must include with this application the following materials:
1) A curriculum vitae and cover letter that clearly states courses and/or subdisciplines the applicant would be able to teach.
2) Copies of up to four teaching evaluations, preferably in courses in linguistics.
3) Applicants must arrange for two letters of recommendation. At least one of the recommendations should preferably comment on your teaching record. If letters of recommendation cannot be included as part of the single document uploaded through the UM job application website, have the letters of recommendation sent to [email protected].
Job Summary
The Department of Linguistics in the College of Literature, Science and Arts at the University of Michigan is accepting applications, seeking to fill one LEO Lecturer I position to teach six (6) discussion sections of LING 111 at 66.67% effort, and one LEO Lecturer I position to manage undergraduate instructional aides (IAs), grade, and lead lab sections for faculty-led lecturers for LING 321 at 33.33), or hire one LEO Lecture I who can fulfill both obligations, depending on the experience and background of the qualified candidate. All teaching is expected to be in-person.
Mission Statement
The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.
Course Description
LING 111: Lenses into Language: Mind, Society, Justice: Six (6) sections (anticipated enrollment: 25 students per section) How does language matter to you? What does your language allow you to do, and what does it prevent you from doing? This course will introduce the surprising structure behind language, a facet of our lives we usually take for granted. We will discover how hidden mental rules manipulate the building blocks of language from the smallest gesture or sound to the most complex conversation. And we will illuminate how our language connects us to society at large, from the careers we choose, to the communities we create, to the way we are perceived in daily life. Our studies will be shaped by viewing language through three critical lenses:
The Mind Creates Language
Linguistics is a cognitive science, studying how the brain produces and understands language. Linguists employ standard scientific methods to analyze the rules and structures underlying this unique human ability.
Language Shapes Society
Language is present in every aspect of life. Among its many purposes, it is a social tool, with the power to comfort, deceive, demean, persuade, and uplift. The language we use everyday has the power to establish or reflect connections with others and act as a component of our identity.
All Language is Good Language
Everyone signs or speaks a complete, expressive, and complex language. Throughout our schooling and our social lives, we are often taught that some language is good or correct and the rest is not. From a linguistic perspective, though, the many varieties of both signed and spoken language found in the world, not to mention this classroom, are equally valid.
Responsibilities
- It is required to attend lectures and assigned discussion sections. Note that both lecture and most discussion sections are scheduled as in-person instruction.
- Hold at least 2 office hours each week.
- Make discussion section plans and lead the sections as instructor.
- Grade assignments, per lead faculty instruction.
- Meet weekly with the teaching team and respond promptly to emails.
LING 321: Alien Anatomy: How ChatGPT Works: One(1) section (anticipated enrollment: 100 students)
Students will learn about the basic AI and machine learning techniques that make up UM ChatGPT, such as neural networks, back propagation, transformers, training, and guardrails. Students will build several AI projects, including a chatbot, image recognizer, and gesture recognizer. Readings and discussions will explore the limitations, regulation, and comparisons with humans to ChatGPT and similar LLM technologies.
Responsibilities
- Attend all lectures and lab days for the course. Lab days are held at the same time as lecture, but are just for students to work and seek help. Note that both lecture and lab sessions are scheduled as in-person instruction.
- Hold at least 2 office hours each week.
- Manage IAs who are serving as graders and helpers in lab sessions
- Grade assignments, per lead faculty instruction.
- Meet weekly with the lead instructor, and respond promptly to emails.
Required Qualifications*
Must have an M.A. or PhD in Linguistics, or a closely related field, and demonstrated experience teaching linguistics at the college-level. Applications will be evaluated based upon each candidates expertise, successful performance in the classroom, and the needs of the department. Experience with interactive and engaged teaching strategies preferred.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
66.67% to teach six sections of LING 111
33.33% to teach one section of LING 321
Union Affiliation
This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Lecturers Employee Organization, AFL-CIO, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Contact Information
For questions, please email [email protected]
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.