External Lecturer – Danish Language & Culture – DIS Copenhagen

DIS Copenhagen is hiring an external lecturer to teach “Danish Language & Culture” for the Fall 2024 semester. The deadline to apply is 1 May 2024 and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Course description

Danish Language & Culture (DLC) is an integrated language and culture course which serves as the ideal entry point for students studying abroad in Denmark for the first time. This course will help students navigate and understand their new environment by offering an introduction to Danish language while also exploring important themes in Danish culture and society. Language emphasis is on spoken everyday Danish, reading comprehension, and basic grammar - taught through classroom interactions, hands-on exercises, and experiential learning through field studies around Copenhagen and environs.

Read more about the Danish Language & Culture course here

Student learning objectives

• Acquire knowledge and understanding of Danish culture and society
• Ability to speak, read, and understand Danish on a basic level
• Gain an understanding of connections between language and culture
• Enhance intercultural awareness and critical reflection
• Develop a sense of belonging

Teaching requirements 

The external lecturer will plan and prepare the course prior to the start date of the course (22 August 2024). The course is offered twice per year: fall semester (mid-August to mid-December) and spring semester (mid-January to mid-May). The course load includes 23 lectures (80 minutes each) and 2 field studies (4 hours each) per semester, plus student evaluation, grading, and feedback. During a semester, external lecturers typically teach more than one section of the course. 

Teaching at DIS requires creativity and flexibility. Faculty prioritize bringing course material to life through interactive, experiential learning, and are communicative and engaged with their students. Students are typically in their third year of university. Courses are all taught in English. Pedagogical support, training, and mentorship is available at DIS through the Learning Lab and experienced faculty; faculty are encouraged to collaborate with academic support staff in various professional development opportunities.  

DIS adheres to the same external lecturer salary level as the University of Copenhagen.

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Revise the syllabus for the course, in collaboration with DIS staff
• Facilitate classroom lectures, experiential learning activities, and field studies
• Assess students’ performance, grade assignments and provide feedback to students throughout the course
• Participate in meetings/workshops aimed to develop pedagogical skills in line with the DIS teaching philosophy

Professional competencies

• Relevant background (experience in teaching Danish as a second or foreign language and a Master’s degree or Ph.D. degree within the humanities or cultural studies) 
• General experience with teaching cultural topics from a critical, analytic perspective
• Openness to pedagogical support from DIS  
• Capable of incorporating DIS interactive and hands-on teaching philosophy into teaching practice  
• Experience in creating a structured and interactive learning environment is an advantage  
• Ability to be legally employed in Denmark (this position does not come with a work visa)

Reasons to teach at DIS 

• Work in an international, informal and lively environment with emphasis on cross-cultural understanding, teamwork, innovation, and adaptability
• Develop a teaching portfolio at university level
• Develop interactive, experiential teaching skills and teaching experience in English
• Impact American students/upcoming professionals by sharing Scandinavian heritage and best practices
• Expand professional networks in Scandinavia and in the USA
• Increase your international outreach

DIS Work Values & Styles

• Cross-cultural learning
• Independence and initiative
• Communication
• Creativity in the classroom
• Professional development and relationship-building 
• Friendly work environment
• High-quality support & resources for faculty 
• Collaborative co-working spaces and environment

Application Process & Contact Information 

For questions or further information, please contact Program Director of European Humanities Andreas Brøgger at abr@dis.dk or Academic Coordinator Marie Meier at mame@dis.dk. 

Please submit your CV and application letter in English by 1 May 2024 by clicking the 'Apply' link below. Applications will be processed on a rolling basis.