DKU Documentary Practice Global Fellows Program

About this position

Duke Kunshan University Documentary Practice Global Fellows Program

Guidelines for the 2027-2028 Fellowship

Applications accepted on a rolling basis up to January 15, 2027.

Review of applications will begin on December 15.

• The DKU Global Fellows program invites applications from recent MFA
• graduates working in documentary practice for a two-year Global Fellow
• position. Preference will be given to candidates who can offer a wide
• range of courses in our Arts and Media curriculum, which includes
• classes on photography, documentary filmmaking, web-based multimedia
• design, graphic design, media studies, and critical theory. Duke MFAs
• are especially encouraged to apply.

• The DKU Global Fellows Program is designed to offer an international
• experience to junior scholars whose records demonstrate excellence in
• teaching (or promise thereof) and an interest in pursuing an academic
• career DKU Global Fellows teach at Duke Kunshan University (DKU) for
• the Undergraduate Program.

• Global Fellows receive a standard 2-year non-renewable appointment
• teaching the equivalent of 4 courses per year, although shorter
• appointments (8 weeks, one semester, or one year at the candidate's
• discretion) are also possible. Assignment of classes will be
• determined by fellow-specific expertise and by DKU teaching needs.
• Fellows will be invited to participate in teaching-related
• professional development programs during their appointment.

The Fellowship is contingent upon successful receipt of the

appropriate type of Chinese visa.

• The award carries a $13,000 stipend ($17,000 for fellows who have
• completed their MFA) for two courses, a $1,500 allowance for costs
• related to research or course preparation, travel costs to/from China,
• health insurance, and a housing allowance.

Post-doctoral fellows or advanced doctoral students are also invited

to apply.

Eligibility for the DKU Global Fellows Program

1.

• Applicants must have recently completed a university MFA program,
• or be full-time students, in good standing, in a university MFA
• program at the time of application. Students who expect to
• complete their MFA before the fellowship year begins are also
• welcome to apply.

2.

Applicants should:

2.

Be able to participate in the fellowship for at least 7 weeks of

the 2027-28 academic year.

3.

• Expect to devote themselves full time to their teaching and
• research during the time at DKU. Fellows may not undertake other
• teaching or research opportunities at DKU, Duke or elsewhere
• during the period of the fellowship.

• NOTE FOR DUKE APPLICANTS ONLY: When applicable, the DKU Global Fellows
• Program replaces other graduate school stipend and scholarship funding
• a student may have been scheduled to receive for the fellowship year.
• Eligibility for other funding cannot be “banked” for use in a
• subsequent year, though this should not limit a department’s internal
• funding structure. Fellows who receive offers for other awards should
• contact the Graduate School to determine whether the two awards may be
• held concurrently. The DKU Fellowship will cover tuition fees at Duke
• University for a semester.

Selection Process

1.

Applicants from all disciplines are invited to apply.

2.

• Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated
• excellence in teaching, a commitment to liberal arts education,
• and who have completed their dissertation or are close to
• completing their dissertation.

3.

• Fellow selection will be guided by the need, priorities and
• preferences for particular fields and courses expressed by DKU.
• The number and type of Fellows needed will vary somewhat from year
• to year.

Application Process

Application

The Academic Jobs Online application software is used to submit

applications.

You will be asked to upload the following documents:

1.

A current curriculum vitae.

2.

A cover letter outlining your teaching experience and interests;

and long-term career goals.

3.

Your university transcript (a copy of an unofficial transcripts

issued to the student is acceptable).

4.

A teaching statement, describing teaching goals, strategies,

and/or philosophy.

5.

• A one-page summary of (a) all quantitative evaluation data for
• courses taught or TA’d and (b) the two most prominent positive and
• negative themes from the qualitative data.

6.

A one-page outline of your MFA portfolio or project

• A letter of support from your advisor or supervisor describing
• your degree completion status and progress, and your fit with this
• fellowship program (may be one of three required letters of
• reference).

8.

At least one faculty letter of recommendation assessing your

teaching skills and scholarly promise.

Instructions: to apply, please visit ${JobURL}

Award Notifications

Applicants will be notified of award decisions by March 1, 2027,

Contact:Qian Zhu

Associate Division Chair, Arts and Humanities (qian.zhu77@dukekunshan.edu.cn)