UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
Faculty of Arts
School of Modern Languages and Cultures
Department of French
Lecturer in French
This post is available from September 2007 in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures, the largest institutional provider of Modern Language degrees at undergraduate and postgraduate level in the UK, with approximately 100 academic staff and over 2000 students. The post represents the School’s commitment to its breadth of provision at all levels of teaching, and to excellence in research in a wide variety of fields.
Applications are invited for a Lecturer post in the large, dynamic and interdisciplinary Department of French. You will hold a PhD or equivalent in a relevant discipline and a record of high quality publications commensurate with inclusion in RAE 2008. It is expected that the Department will appoint in one of two following areas: Quebec Culture and Society; 19th Century French Literature. However, outstanding candidates whose research interests lie outside of these fields will be considered. You will possess native or near-native competence in the French language and be able to demonstrate effective teaching skills and a range of delivery techniques.
University Grade 7 (£29,138 - £31,840 p.a.)
Informal enquiries to Dr David Platten, Head of French, tel +44(0)113 343 3483, email d.p.platten@leeds.ac.uk
Information about the School may be found at: http://www.leeds.ac.uk/smlc
To apply on line please visit http://www.leeds.ac.uk and click on ‘jobs’. Alternatively application packs are available via email recruitment@adm.leeds.ac.uk or tel +44(0)113 343 5771.
Further Particulars
The School of Modern Languages and Cultures
The School of Modern Languages and Cultures at Leeds is part of the Faculty of Arts. It is the largest institutional provider of Modern Language degrees at undergraduate and postgraduate level in the UK, with approximately 100 academic staff and over 2000 students. The SMLC operates as a federal structure and comprises the Departments of Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies, East Asian Studies, French, German, Italian, Linguistics and Phonetics, Russian and Slavonic Studies, Spanish and Portuguese, and the University Language Centre. The languages represented in the departments of the School include Arabic and Berber; Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian, Thai and Indonesian; French; German; Italian; Portuguese; Spanish; Russian; Czech; Bulgarian. In addition, Dutch, Modern Hebrew, Polish, Punjabi and Urdu are available in the Language Centre.
The School operates successful MAs in Translation Studies, Interpreting and Translation Studies, Screen Translation Studies, and in World Cinema. The Centres for French and Francophone Cultural Studies, Brazilian Film Studies, Mediterranean Studies, and Translation Studies are interdisciplinary centres based within the School. The School also has long-standing involvement in the Centres for Canadian Studies, Cultural Studies, European Studies, Gender Studies, Jewish Studies, Medieval Studies, and the Institute for Research in Contemporary China. Significant research themes in the wider School include: Translation Studies, Language and Linguistics; Film Studies, Literature and Popular Culture; Identity and Nationhood; Gender and the Body. The University has also recently established a cross-disciplinary Institute for Colonial and Postcolonial Studies within the Faculty of Arts and the Leeds Humanities Research Institute.
The Department of French
The Department of French is the largest in the country. It has over 1,000 students on the four years of its Single and Joint Honours degree programmes and 19 full-time members of staff, including 5 Professors, 8 Senior Lecturers, 4 lecturers and 2 Language Teaching Fellows. Amongst its part-time and temporary staff are 1 lecturer, 1 Research Professor, 1 postdoctoral research fellow, 1 teaching fellow and 4 lecteurs/lectrices. Rated 4b in RAE 2001 with Cultural Studies flagged as internationally excellent, and excellent (22 points) in TQA, it is regularly rated in league–tables amongst the top departments in the country.
The Department offers a full and varied programme of undergraduate study, incorporating an extensive range of options in Levels 2 and 3. These encompass area studies, cultural studies, francophone studies, literature from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century, linguistics, history, media studies, politics, thought, translation studies, and liaison interpreting. At postgraduate level it offers a taught MA in French and Francophone Cultural Studies and supervision in a wide variety of fields for PhD and MA by research.
The Department’s wide portfolio of teaching interests is reflected in the breadth of its research specialisms. The result of the 2001 RAE exercise means that our central goal at present is to improve our rating through the enhancement of research outputs and environment, and the new Centre for French and Francophone Cultural Studies plays a strategic role in this, providing a distinctive focus for individual and collaborative research, and emphasizing the reciprocal relations between French and Francophone studies. There are active research groups in the areas of Politics and Society, and Popular Culture; the latter is now operative in the context of both the School and the Faculty of Arts.
The Department is particularly fortunate in its research and teaching resources. The University Library is one of the major national research libraries and has excellent holdings in French, particularly in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and a unique French newspaper and magazine archive covering all major titles and going back to the 1940s. In addition there is easy access to the British Library in Boston Spa. Multi-media resources are similarly excellent. The Department benefits from the University Language Centre opened in January 1995, and also has its own extensive audio-visual resources. It has excellent IT provision both within the Department and through the School of Modern Languages and Cultures’ leading-edge Electronic Resource and Information Centre (ERIC) and interpreter training suites.
Job Description:
Research
You will be expected to:
· Pursue a vigorous programme of personal and/or collaborative research, resulting in regular publication of original high quality research.
· Contribute as appropriate to the research culture of the Department and to the wider research efforts of the School of Modern Languages and Cultures, the Faculty of Arts and the Research Schools and Centres of the University.
· Apply for and attract research funding.
· Supervise MA and PhD students in your area of research or in other areas where appropriate.
Teaching
You will be expected to:
· Lecture and hold seminars in French and English at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
· Undertake a full teaching load, including teaching of practical language classes and other team-taught courses in the department and School, as appropriate.
· Respond imaginatively to student skills, talents and interests, both in the development of new modules and in the development of teaching and learning skills in the Department and in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures.
· Contribute to taught MA programmes within the Department and the School as appropriate.
· Take part in other Departmentally - and School - organised teaching activities.
· Administer and document all modules you teach, in collaboration with other academic and support staff as appropriate.
· Act as an internal examiner.
· Participate in the review of modules and programmes, and in all other quality assurance mechanisms, including student tracking and progression.
Administration
You will be expected to:
· Take part in the committee structure of the Department and contribute fully to departmental administration.
· Attend staff meetings and prepare documentation as required by the Head of the Department.
· Take initiatives in personal and departmental development, and attend such courses and events as may be appropriate.
· Contribute to Programme and Module Review.
· Take a full share in student support.
· Play a part, as appropriate, in the administrative processes and committee structures of the School of Modern Languages and Cultures, of the Faculty of Arts and of the University.
The precise scope of the above duties will be agreed in consultation with the Head of Department and, where appropriate, Head of School.
Person Specification
It is expected that the Department will appoint in one of two following areas: Quebec Culture and Society; 19th Century French Literature. However, outstanding candidates whose research interests lie outside of these fields will be considered.
You will:
· Have a strong track record of published research commensurate with inclusion in the next Research Assessment Exercise and evidence of excellent potential in your research specialism. Completion of a PhD, or equivalent, is required.
· You will possess native or near-native competence in the French language and be able to demonstrate effective teaching skills and a range of delivery techniques.
· Have appropriate teaching experience at HE level or equivalent and show willingness to participate in all levels of teaching, both in and outside your area of research interest and in the Department’s core practical language modules.
· Possess excellent communication skills with an ability to lecture and teach in French and in English.
· Possess a range of generic skills to support and enhance teaching and research activity - including, as appropriate, expertise in the use of audio-visual and IT resources.
· Have an understanding of the administrative requirements of HE and be expected to play an appropriate part in the committee structures and administration of the Department and the School of Modern Languages and Cultures.
· Have an understanding of the interpersonal dynamics of a collegial department and the capacity to participate fully in all departmental activities.
· Be an enthusiastic advocate for French and Francophone Studies in your manifestations.
Prior to the formal interview candidates will be asked to make a short research presentation in French on a topic related to their specialism.
How to Apply:
Completed applications should be returned to Ruth Drury, School of Modern Languages and Cultures, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, email r.c.drury@leeds.ac.uk quoting job ref 317065 not later than 6 March 2007.
Applications should include the following:-
· A completed application form. If you wish to download an application form please visit http://www.leeds.ac.uk/hr/policy/forms.htm
· A Curriculum Vitae/information requested on page 2 of the form.
· Equal Opportunities Monitoring form (Enclosed). Please return the Form in a separate envelope (enclosed) marked 'EOs Monitoring'. If you wish to complete the Equal Opportunities monitoring form on line please visit http://tldynamic.leeds.ac.uk/equalopps/
Replies will be treated in complete confidence.
If you are selected for interview you can expect to hear from the University not later than 4 weeks after the closing date. If you are not selected for interview the University will not contact you again.
Please note that if you are considering applying for this post you must be able to supply proof of the right to work in the UK.
A Criminal Records Disclosure is not required for this position however applicants who have unspent convictions must indicate this in section 9 of the application form and must declare the nature of the conviction to the Recruitment Officer.
Disabled Applicants
The post is located in the Department of French. Disabled applicants wishing to review access to the building are invited to contact the department direct. Additional information may be sought from Disability Services, e-mail disability@leeds.ac.uk or tel 0113 343 3927
Disabled applicants are not obliged to inform employers of their disability but will still be covered by the Disability Discrimination Act once their disability becomes known.
Data Protection
The information you provide in your application will be used to consider your suitability for the post for which you have applied. If your application is not successful the information will be disposed of confidentially after 6 months. If your application is successful and you are appointed, your information and future data will be processed in accordance with the University's Data Protection Code of Practice. A copy of this code can be obtained from either the University's Human Resources Department or by visiting http://www.leeds.ac.uk/hr/policy/index.htm
Health and Safety Responsibilities
You are required to adhere and comply to the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work Act, related Regulations and in accordance to the University’s Policy on Health and Safety which can be accessed via http://www.leeds.ac.uk/safety/usp/uspindex.htm
In addition you are also required to cooperate with regard to the implementation of Health and Safety arrangements and should not interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interest of Health, Safety and welfare at work.
For more information on the University and terms and conditions of appointments please visit http://www.leeds.ac.uk
Equality and Diversity Statement
The University of Leeds is proud to be a multi-cultural community. We value diversity, and are determined to ensure:
¨ that we treat all individuals fairly, with dignity and respect;
¨ that the opportunities we provide are open to all;
¨ that we provide a safe, supportive and welcoming environment – for staff, for students and for visitors.
We recognise that we still have work to do to secure a truly inclusive community, and we are committed to a wide-ranging plan of action to tackle discrimination and to promote diversity.
The Equality and Diversity Statement forms part of the University’s Equality and Diversity Policy, which applies to staff and students alike and is available on the University’s website at http://www.equality.leeds.ac.uk/ed/policy/
The University has published the following policy and code of practice which are linked to the Equality and Diversity policy. They are also available on the University’s website:
¨ The Race Equality Policy,
¨ The Code of Practice on Harassment and Bullying
Further policies are being developed, and will be made available on the University’s website in due course.
Further information and advice are available from The Equality Unit, Telephone: 0113 343 3927 or by email to equality@leeds.ac.uk
The University of Leeds
With a proud tradition and an ambitious future vision the University of Leeds offers an exciting environment for all its staff. We want to build on over a century of achievement and we now have a new ambition to be in the top 50 universities in the world by 2015. Our staff will be crucial in achieving this vision and we are looking for more talented people to play a part in our future.
Established as an independent institution in 1904 we are now one of the largest universities in the UK with an outstanding reputation for our research and teaching.
Leeds is a member of the Russell Group of UK research-led universities and is a founder member of the World Universities Network (WUN), a global alliance of major international institutions gathered from the UK, North America and Asia. These networks give our staff and students further support for international collaboration. Our wide range of research areas – from medicine to performing arts – creates a tremendous base for collaboration between colleagues.
Around 12% of our 32,000 students are international and come from over 100 countries. We are consistently one of the UK's most popular institutions for undergraduates. They choose Leeds for the quality of our courses and student experience. Our students are challenged by learning and teaching which is informed by our research. We are building stronger relationships with our graduates, and they are increasingly playing a role in campus life.
With around 7,500 staff the University is one of the largest employers in Leeds and one of the most diverse with staff of around 100 nationalities. We offer a range of benefits as an employer and we are continuing to invest in services and facilities for staff. These include a new staff centre and plans for a new swimming pool and fitness complex which join existing facilities like the nursery and sports centre.
Our 98 acre campus and is minutes away from the centre of one the UK's biggest cities.
The City of Leeds
Leeds is the fastest growing city in the UK and home to over three-quarters of a million people. It is located in the heart of the UK and is the regional capital of Yorkshire and the Humber.
It is unrivalled in the north of England as a major shopping destination and centre for the arts, entertainment, nightlife and leisure. The city has a rich cultural heritage with a wide range of theatres, cinemas, museums and art galleries and a thriving music scene to cater for all tastes. Leeds has a proud sporting tradition and there are plenty of opportunities to participate in everything at all levels.
Home to some of the UK’s and Europe’s leading companies, Leeds has seen the fastest rate of growth in terms of job creation in the UK over the last two decades. It is the main centre for the regional headquarters of government departments and utilities providers and the National Health Service. It is also recognised as a major centre for financial services and is the top legal and media centre in the UK outside London.
Leeds has excellent communication and transport links. The city is well served by affordable, frequent local transport and has extensive coach and rail services connecting Leeds with the rest of the UK. Leeds/Bradford airport provides regular flights to an increasing number of destinations.
Large areas of parkland make Leeds a very green city. There are many areas of natural beauty and interest in Leeds from the national attractions of the Royal Armouries and the Thackray National Medical Museum to the fine mansions of Harewood House, Temple Newsam and Lotherton Hall. Leeds is also within easy reach of the Yorkshire Dales, the Peak District, the Lake District and historic towns such as York, Harrogate, Ripon and Bradford.
Rich in history, with a diverse economy, thriving cultural scene and a cosmopolitan atmosphere, Leeds stands proud as a city of regional, national and international importance.
Removal Expenses
The University will contribute to removal expenses incurred by new members of Academic and Academic-Related (Professional and Managerial) staff who:
· accept a position for two years duration or more, which is University funded,
· accept a position that has been advertised nationally (this includes the University website and jobs.ac.uk),
· at the time of appointment (i.e. date of letter of appointment) live outside a radius of 25 miles from Leeds (LS2) and who move to within such a distance to take up the post.
Appointees based at the Bretton Campus must, in order to qualify, live outside a radius of 25 miles from West Bretton (WF4) at the time of appointment and should move to within such a distance to take up the post.
Claims may not cover conveyancing or estate agent's fees or other costs involved in the relocation. Members of staff seeking such assistance should contact the Recruitment Service for the details of approved contractors and a copy of the University Removals Policy.
Key Principles
For qualifying staff the University will reimburse the cost of moving household effects only (by surface freight), the cost of storage (up to a maximum period of six months) and insurance costs (while effects are in transit or storage). The costs must be reasonable and up to a maximum of £5,000.
Staff joining the University from overseas on a University funded position, may receive full reimbursement of economy class fares for all members of their immediate family i.e. spouse/partner and children, together with reasonable costs for removing household effects by surface freight. Receipted invoices or other appropriate documentation should accompany all claims for removal expenses.
Expenses are normally paid only in respect of an initial appointment and must normally be claimed within 12 months of taking up the appointment.
The University is entitled to recover removal expenses for all staff who, at their own volition, terminate their employment with the University within the first 2 years of their contract. The University will not however seek to recover such expenses from staff granted an ex gratia payment on a discretionary basis i.e. staff on University-funded appointments of two years or less or staff on outside-funded appointments.