South African Specialisation
School of English
University Adam Mickiewicz, Poznań, Poland

We invite applications for the above position. Appointment will be from October 2006.

We are seeking expertise in the area of South African Cultural Studies with the primary focus on African culture, languages and literature.

1) BACKGROUND TO THE SOUTH AFRICAN SPECIALIZATION

The South African specialization as it is currently presented within the Institute of English Philology (IFA) at the Adam Mickiewicz-University (UAM) in Poznań (Poland) is relatively young. The development of scientific research in this field of study and the didactic tasks concerning the management of the curriculum is the task of the Division for Dutch and Afrikaans Language, Literature and Culture, which forms part of IFA.

The curriculum for South African studies must be seen within the broader scope of English Philology. The 3 year study (B.A.) gives our students the opportunity to receive a diploma in English Philology and in South African studies. Both courses are complementary to one another because the curriculum consists of three components: an English component, a South African component and a general component. Within the first component subjects are presented which comply with all ministerial obligations for BA study with regard to the amount of hours, classes and diversification (English language acquisition, History of England and the USA, History of English and American literature, History of English etc.).

The South African component consists of subjects which includes geographical, historical and socio-political aspects along with the language acquisition and the study of literature. South African studies are largely aimed at the studying of cultural phenomena whereby South Africa is used as an excellent example of multiculturalism in showing students all aspects of a multidimensional world. Attention is also paid to interesting similarities between Poland and South Africa especially since the transformation during the nineties became evident. The colonial and modern image formation with regard to South Africa is also an important aspect of our studies. The study of Afrikaans gives students the opportunity to gain access to African mentality and culture.

The curriculum for South African studies includes the following subjects: Afrikaans language acquisition, English South African literature, History of South Africa, South African variants of English, South African Cultural Studies (includes indigenous languages and culture), History of Afrikaans literature and History of Afrikaans.

2) REQUIREMENTS
• a doctorate for appointment as Senior Lecturer/Professor
• an MA degree for appointment as Lecturer
• an established record of publication in relevant areas of interest
• experience in teaching at university level
• have some knowledge of an indigenous South African language/culture, other than Afrikaans and English
• excellent interpersonal skills and a team player
• must be committed and willing to spend a reasonable amount of time (at least two years) at UAM

3) RESPONSIBILITIES
• teaching undergraduates in the BA Specialisation (South African studies)
• contributing to the department’s research and publication output
• development of the South African specialisation at UAM
• administrative duties

Please send a letter of motivation and complete CV (with at least 2 contactable referees) to: Prof. dr. habil. Jerzy Koch e-mail: jerzykoch@poczta.fm or jkoch@ifa.amu.edu.pl.

You are welcome to contact prof. Koch should you have a need for additional information