Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary

What this job is

Teach languages and literature courses in languages other than English. Includes teachers of American Sign Language (ASL). Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

What they do day to day

• Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
• Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
• Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
• Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
• Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as how to speak and write a foreign language and the cultural aspects of areas where a particular language is used.
• Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in scholarly journals, books, or electronic media.
• Keep abreast of developments in their field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional organizations and activities.
• Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
• Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
• Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.

Skills and knowledge that matter most

Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).

Education and preparation

Preparation level 5 of 5 — Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree (master's, PhD, MD, JD) and extensive experience.

Typical entry education (BLS): Doctoral or professional degree.

Who this job suits

Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.

Job titles you'll see in postings

Related careers

• English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary$78,760
• Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary$85,020
• Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$72,040
• Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors$61,540
• History Teachers, Postsecondary$83,820
• Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$64,370
• Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary$99,650
• Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary$80,260