Excellency:
I am applying for the position of Assistant Professor of English at the American University of Beirut. Since the position, which was advertised in the Chronicle of Higher Education, requires some teaching at UniversitĂŠ Saint Joseph, I am sending a set of my credentials to you and to representatives of the
respective institutions. This is a particularly exciting position as I would be able to use my knowledge of Arabic and French, which would enhance the effectiveness of my English language instruction. As my enclosed curriculum vitae indicates, I received a Ph.D., magna cum laude, with a major in English and Linguistics, from Yale University in 1994. Prior to that, I obtained a B.A., magna cum laude, in French, and an M.A., summa cum laude, in French Literature from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Moreover, during my Fulbright Scholarship for the study of French literature at the Sorbonne, I read extensively the works of writers from Algeria, Tunis, Martinique, and other Francophone countries. The paramount experience that has influenced my decision to apply for this position, however, was a threeyear teaching position at Mohammed V University in Morocco. Not only did I teach English, but I also developed an innovative program in Arabic using computer-assisted pedagogy. It was recognized as a major breakthrough in Arabic language instruction.
During the week of 18 February, I plan to be in Washington, D.C., and would like to arrange an interview with you at your convenience. I will telephone you next week to arrange that meeting. Please feel free to call me at 216/555-8209 or fax me at 216/555-8210.
Thank you for your consideration. I remain