Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
What is a Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary?
Foreign Language and Literature Teachers at the postsecondary level are responsible for instructing students in the study of foreign languages and their respective literatures. They engage students in advanced language acquisition, comprehension, and application while also delving into cultural nuances and literary analysis from various regions around the world. These educators often work at colleges and universities, delivering lectures, facilitating discussions, and assigning readings that explore the linguistic structures, historical development, and literary works of a specific language or languages. Their courses may include intermediate to advanced language instruction, translation studies, comparative literature, and cultural studies. Additionally, they may conduct research in their field, publish scholarly articles, and participate in academic conferences, contributing to the larger scholarly community. These positions often require a strong academic background in the relevant languages and literatures, typically including a master’s or doctoral degree, as well as a commitment to fostering a lively intellectual environment that encourages students to engage deeply with language and culture.
Tasks
- 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.
Technology Skills
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Word processing software
- Collaborative editing software
- Google Docs
- Microsoft Word
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Computer based training software
- Blackboard Learn
- Learning management system LMS
- Moodle
- Sakai CLE
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Electronic mail software
- Email software
- Microsoft Outlook
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Graphics or photo imaging software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
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Desktop publishing software
- Adobe PageMaker
- QuarkXPress
Tools Used
- Microphones
- Televisions
- Portable data input terminals
- Multimedia projectors
- Teleconference equipment
Knowledge
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Foreign Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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History and Archeology
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
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Philosophy and Theology
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Skills
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Instructing
Teaching others how to do something.
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Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Abilities
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Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Speech Recognition
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Doctoral degree
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Master's degree
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Bachelor's degree
Work Activities
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Training and Teaching Others
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
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Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
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Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Detailed Work Activities
- Develop instructional materials.
- Evaluate student work.
- Maintain student records.
- Guide class discussions.
- Teach humanities courses at the college level.
Work Interests
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Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Artistic
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$48230.0 - $136260.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.