Language program director

A Language Program Director (LPD) is a senior academic position in United States universities. In some institutions a LPD can also be referred to as a 'Language Program Coordinator' (LPC), while in others the LPD has a hierarchically higher position than LPC, the latter coordinating just one course level. LPDs usually coordinate all levels of instruction of undergraduate language programs. Most LPDs are not on a tenure-track, due to the fact that traditionally linguistic studies have been considered by Departments of Foreign Languages and Literatures as less important than literary studies. According to a recent MLA report, this is a trend that should be reversed. In the past LPD positions were generally filled by people with degrees in literature and no training in second language acquisition or applied linguistics. This has resulted in a lack of innovation in US language programs. Recently, however, more and more universities are looking for new program directors with specific training in applied linguistics., and are putting their LPDs on a tenure track.