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Chinese Studies

Description

Chinese Studies TAs are hired as apprentice Mandarin teachers and will be instructing students of various backgrounds and ability levels. TAs are assigned to work directly with Chinese language faculty in conjunction with the Chinese language course(s) offered each quarter and will meet weekly with assigned course instructors. TA duties include but are not limited to preparing in-class presentations (which may include drafting PowerPoint presentations), preparing instructional materials (i.e. making copies), keeping attendance, conducting tutorials, leading conversation drills, distributing and grading homework/writing assignments, holding weekly office hours, language tutoring and proctoring quizzes/tests.

The Chinese Studies program hires 8-12 graduate students as Chinese language Teaching Assistants (CHIN TA) on a quarterly basis. Current TAs MUST REAPPLY for an available TA position each quarter, as rehiring is not guaranteed for future quarters. TA appointments are generally 25%, 33%, or 50% depending on the assigned sections and number of students. TAs must enroll in CHIN 500: Apprentice Teaching for a letter grade during each quarter of employment.

 

Qualifications

All Chinese language TA candidates must meet the following criteria:

  1. Matriculation as a UC San Diego graduate student. US citizens, US residents and UC San Diego grad students holding an F-1 or J-1 visa may apply.
  2. Candidates must maintain strong academic standing or 3.0 or better. The Chinese Studies Program will request permission from their home department to hire TAs.
  3. Candidates must have superior pronunciation and be skilled at communicating in Pǔtōnghuà also known as Mandarin Chinese. Candidates must be able to read and write clearly in both Traditional & Simplified characters.
  4. Experience as a Chinese language instructor is a requirement.

TAs must be available to lead tutorials on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; they must attend and lead the assigned section(s) and various other tasks. TAs may initially need to attend lectures for their assigned courses on Tuesdays and Thursdays to observe CHIN lectures. Attendance at TA Orientation and Training is mandatory. Attendance and participation in weekly TA meetings is also a requirement of employment.

 

Application Procedure

Positions will be posted quarterly at https://academicaffairs.ucsd.edu/Modules/ASES/OpenPositions.aspx . Application details are available at the Chinese Studies website: http://chinesestudies.ucsd.edu/ta/, which links to the online application system to apply. Interested graduate students are encouraged to carefully read the website and follow the instructions. Email ChineseStudies@ucsd.edu with any questions.

Applicants must complete the following in the online application:

  1. Answer the questions in the online application system.
  2. Upload your CV or résumé in Word document or PDF format into your online application. This information should be in English. It should detail your work history and highlight the required Chinese language teaching experience.
  3. Draft a one-page handwritten autobiography in Chinese characters. Ensure that your handwriting is clear and easy to read. Applicants may use either Traditional or Simplified characters as TAs are required to be able to read, write, and correct both types of characters. Do not type in Chinese characters. Upload a PDF or JPEG of the handwriting sample.
  4. Record a video of yourself speaking in Mandarin for a minimum of 3 minutes. This is an opportunity to introduce yourself in Mandarin to the selection committee to speak on why you want to be a Chinese language TA. Do not read from texts and do not have background music or noise in your recording. Speak loudly and clearly.