About the Department:

Holding to the vision of George Mason as being the most diverse university in Virginia, the Department of Modern and Classical Languages is home to fifteen foreign languages and offers a wide variety of courses in language, literature and culture from the introductory, to advanced, and graduate levels. The Department of Modern and Classical Languages is home to collegial faculty committed to promoting all-inclusivity through excellence in innovated research and instruction, in service to the university and students, and community outreach programs. In addition, with the proximity to the nation’s capital, students wishing to learn about Japan can participate in year-round Japanese cultural events, such as the annual Washington D.C. Cherry Blossom Festival and activities and programs sponsored by the Japan Information & Cultural Center, Embassy of Japan Washington D.C. The vibrant Japanese program at Mason includes a Minor in Japanese Studies, internship and scholarship opportunities, study abroad programs, and student-led clubs. For more information about the department and the Japanese Studies Program, visit https://mcl.gmu.edu/about-the-department/the-department-of-modern-and-classical-languages

About the Position:

This position requires the successful candidate to offer each semester six credit hours of Japanese language, literature and culture instruction at the undergraduate level.  They are expected to support the growth of the Japanese Studies Program, contribute to department-sponsored Japanese activities and participate in other department service. The position includes, as well, time for the faculty member’s research.

Distribution of effort in the position is as follows:
40% Teaching
40% Research
20% Service

Responsibilities:

Teaching 

• Teaches advanced level courses in general education courses in English on Japanese literature culture; and
• Holds office hours, advises and mentors students, and all other expectations associated with classroom teaching at George Mason. 

Research 

• Pursues a research agenda in relevant subject(s) toward publication and other forms of dissemination of knowledge. 

Service 

• Emphasis is on supporting the growth of the Japanese Studies Program and contributing to department-sponsored Japanese activities; and
• Some general department service also required. 

Required Qualifications:

• Terminal degree/PhD in Japanese literature, culture, linguistics or a closely related field in hand by the start of employment;
• Must have an active research agenda at the start of employment; and 
• Native or near-native proficiency in Japanese.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience incorporating Japanese cultural and social practices and etiquette into their language instruction;
• Though most courses are taught in person, experience teaching online is a plus;
• Ability to teach advanced level courses in Japanese in the Japanese minor program (e.g., JAPA 410 Readings in Japanese Modern Fiction; JAPA 440 Integrated Study of Japanese Language and Society I); and
• Ability to teach general education courses in English on Japanese literature and culture (e.g., JAPA 310 Japanese Culture in a Global World; JAPA 340 Topics in Japanese Literature).

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Visiting Assistant Professor - Japanese at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter, CV, statement of teaching philosophy (one page max), teaching evaluations, and sample syllabi.

Posting Open Date: May 30, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  June 13, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes