Asian Studies Japanese Language Tutor at Kansas City Art Institute – Kansas City, Missouri

Job Description:

The JLC Tutors play an important role in helping new students learn to communicate effectively inside and outside the classroom.

- Inside the classroom, the JLC Tutor will participate in the communication activities. These activities require students to accomplish a relevant task only in the Japanese language. This is often a struggle for new students that is overcome when more skilled peers keep the focus on language production in Japanese. Tutors will be available to assist in 1 class each week.

- Outside the classroom, the JLC tutor will have designated tutoring hours to assist students with homework and language production projects. This includes proofreading, assisting with scaffolding assignments, speaking practice, and more as needed by the student.

The JLC Tutors will assist with the Final Oral Exam preparations. This is held on the last Thursday of the semester. The final oral exam takes place in a conference room on campus with former JLC alums and invited Japanese language speakers. Assistance is needed to prepare score cards, pick up food, prepare the oral exam tables, and provide MC duties in Japanese during the event.

The JLC Tutors will attend the Shodo Club and the Japanese Language Club at least once in the semester.

In the spring semester, the visiting artist from Japan will arrive for a workshop and presentation of performance calligraphy. He does not speak English. Having students who can speak at least at High Novice or Low Intermediate level is an important part of preparation for Baikei Uehira's visit. Additionally, KCAI is the only art college in North America with a Japanese language (or any foreign language) program.

Qualifications/Skills Needed:

- Japanese language skills: must be able to read and write hiragana and katakana, must be able to read and write 100 characters. Preference given to students who have completed Japanese Language & Culture 2 with an A.

- Demonstrated ability to speak in Japanese at the A1 and A2 levels for a prolonged time.

- Interest and willingness to assist students who are enrolled in the JLC 1 and JLC 2 courses.

- Ability to assist with the preparation, set up, and take down of the Final Exam event in December.

- Availability on Tuesday or Thursday for in-class activities, and tutoring hours outside of class during the week to assist with homework and projects..

- Assist with Japanese-speaking visitors as needed.

This position qualifies as a community service position if the student is eligible for and paid from federal work study funds.