[for
a mid-sized regional campus in a state university system; stresses teaching]
Dr.
Elvis Presley, Chair
Department
of Foreign Languages and Literatures
University
of Midwest--Regional
800
Memphis Boulevard
Someplace,
WI 23232-2323 October
1, 2004
Dear
Dr. Presley,
Please
accept my application for the position of Assistant Professor of Arabic, listed
in the October MLA Job Information List. At present I am teaching Arabic full time at Happy College. I
have a strong commitment to teaching as well as several years of experience
teaching Arabic. My student-centered,
communicative approach to language teaching has involved the use of a variety
of instructional technologies, including interactive CD-ROMs, listservs, and
the World Wide Web. I also have
experience in webpage design. The
upper-level seminar on Middle Eastern women writers that I am currently
teaching reflects my broad background in Arabic language, culture and
civilization.
I
would welcome the opportunity to join the Foreign Languages Department at the
University of Midwest--Regional, and to develop and direct a study-abroad
program. My own positive and enriching
experiences studying in Saudia Arabia have convinced me of the immense value of
such immersion experiences for becoming proficient in a language and for
deepening knowledge about another culture.
I will defend my dissertation, “Exciting Project on Arabic Studies,” at Michigan Technological University in May 2001. My research focuses on challenges offered by Maghrebin women writers to the outrageous hairstyles of the 1890s. I am especially interested in exploring links between historical hairstyles and contemporary cultural studies. My secondary specialization in twentieth-century Arabic literature and culture is reflected not only in my research, but also in my coursework and conference presentations.
Enclosed please find a copy of my curriculum vitae. Transcripts and letters of recommendation are being sent under separate cover. My contact information is listed on my c.v.; from December 23-26 I may be reached at: (612) 505-7878. I plan to attend the MLA convention in San Diego, and would welcome the opportunity to speak with you there.
Please
feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding my application. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Suzy Candidate