Désiré BALOUBI, Ph. D.  

                                                                                    Assistant Professor of English

                                                                                    118 E. South Street

                                                                                     Shaw University

                                                                                     Raleigh, NC 27601--USA

                                                                                    Office: Old Education Building 6

                                                                                    Phone: (919) 546-8307/546-8254

                                                                 dbaloubi@shawu.edu or desbaloubi@hotmail.com

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

EDUCATION

 

*  Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics (Major) & TESOL (Cognate), 12/2000-Ball State University.

*  MS in Information and Communication Sciences, May 8, 1999-Ball State University.

*  MA in Applied Linguistics (with specific reference to English Language Teaching), 12/90

    University of Durham (England).

*  MA in English-Spanish:Maitrise & CAPES-Teaching Certificate, 12/80-National University

    of Benin.

*  Certificate in English for Academic Purposes, 9/1989- Summer school at Institute for

    Applied Language Studies (University of Edinburgh, Scotland).

*  Training The Trainers: Certificate for Training High School Teachers of English and        

    French, 9/1986--South Devon College of Arts and Technology (Torquay, England).

 

EXPERIENCE

 

*  Assistant Professor, Department of Humanities, Shaw University (8/02-Present)

    Teaching a) Writing: Research & Portfolio Development--EVR 300, Reading and Writing

     across the Curriculum--MDS 216, Senior Seminar in Liberal Studies--MDS 418, ENG

     111, ENG 309, MDS 360: Introduction to Linguistics, and b) Communication

     Studies/Public Speaking: COM 210.

*  Assistant Professor, Multidisciplinary Studies Department, Shaw University (8/01-6/02)

    Teaching a) Writing: MDS 216, MDS 418, ENG. 309, EVR 300; b) Special Topics

     MDS 360: Introduction to Linguistics; c) Speech Communication/Public Speaking, COM

     210; d) Introduction to Humanities, HUM 200.

*  Contract Faculty, Vance-Granville Community College, Henderson, NC (Spring 2002)

    Teaching Communication (COM 231) at Butner Federal Correctional Institution

*  Adjunct Faculty (English & Communication Studies), IVY TECH State College

     (8/00-12/00) 

*  Office Administration Assistant at Ball State University/Dean Olson’s Office/College of

    Communication, Information, and Media, Muncie, IN (5/00-8/00)

    Helped with Data Management and Customer Service.

*  Graduate Teaching Assistant at Ball State University, Muncie, IN (8/99-5/00)

     Taught the Fundamentals of Public Speaking (COM 210)

*   Doctoral Research Assistant at Ball State University, Muncie, IN (8/99-5/00)

     Worked with Dr. Marcy Meyer on "the devil's advocate role in innovation."

     Served as a facilitator in a workshop about "Exploring opportunities in communication in a

     multicultural world."

*   BSU Graduate School: Member of the Dean’s Advisory Council (8/99-5/00)

     A five-member council, including the Dean, working on best strategies to stimulate

     graduate students’ interests/efforts and to promote excellence in teaching and learning.  

*   The Ball State University Graduate Student Alliance (GSA)

     Edited GSA Newsletter, Grad News, and served as liaison with GSA & international

     students.

*   Journalism: Columnist for The Ball State University DAILY NEWS: Wrote “African

     Lines” (8/98-5/00)

*   BSU-English Department: Member of the Graduate Student Advisory Board

     (8/96-5/97)

     Advised new graduate students on academic and professional issues.

*   Doctoral Research Assistant for Dr. Mackay, BSU (summer I 1996).

     Helped to proofread research work in Spanish and to gather information on research tools.

*   The Ball State University African Student Association (8/95-5/98)

     Served as Vice-President (8/95-5/96) and President (5/96-5/98)

*  Teachers of English as a Foreign Language Association in Benin (TEFLAB)

     Served as TEFLAB newsletter co-editor (8/93-7/95)

*   Assistant Lecturer at the National University of Benin (8/91-7/95).

     Taught ESL/EFL Reading and Writing in three departments: English, History, and

     French.                       

*   USIS, American Cultural Center: English Language Program (fall 1991-summer 1995)

     Taught English in various programs:

     Intensive English course for USAID/ATLAS grantees;

     Intensive English course for 5th-year University graduate students in Agronomy;

     Modern techniques in Teaching English as a Foreign Language for High School teachers;

     English for Specific Purposes (ESP) for the staff of Benin-Sheraton Hotel;

     Adult education in English (beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels); and

     Intensive English course for the staff of Benin High Commissioner for Refugees (HCR).

*   Benin-Maerskline Shipping Company (8/93-7/95):

     Taught communication skills in Business English

*   Brilliant Stars International School (American Middle School in Cotonou, Benin):

     Taught English, Science, Mathematics, and social Studies (Spring 1995)

     Also taught French—evening classes for immigrants and diplomats’ dependents

*   Intercom Polytechnic and Professional School (1991-1993):

     Taught communication skills in English for specific professions

*   Benin National University Teacher Colleges (1986-1991)

     Trained Benin High School Teachers of English and French

*   Benin-Public High Schools (1977-1979 & 1981-1985)

     Taught English, French, and Spanish.

 

PRESENTATIONS AT CONFERENCES  

*    American Society of Geolinguistics International Conference on Language in the Era of

      Globalization at Baruch College, NY (CUNY), October 2-4, 2003:

      "Language in the era of globalization: Old wine in new bottles."

*    Southern Interdisciplinary Roundtable on African Studies:  Annual Conference at

      Kentucky State University, Frankfort, March 27-29, 2003:

      "Reflections on the Legacy of Colonization and Slavery from Africa to America."

*   American Society of Geolinguistics:  International Conference on Language and Identity at

     Baruch College, NY (CUNY), October 2-6, 2002

     The Idaacha Communities in the Republic of Benin: Joggling for Linguistic and Ethnic

     Identity

*   The Inaugural Southern interdisciplinary Roundtable on African Studies (SIRAS) at

     Kentucky State University, Frankfort (4/12-13/2002): a) It’s a Small World: The Zuni and

     Yoruba Myths of World Creation, and b) Ethnography of Public Speaking  across

     Cultures: A Proposal of Research for Peace Keeping in Africa.

*  The Inaugural Southern interdisciplinary Roundtable on African Studies (SIRAS) at

    Kentucky State University, Frankfort (4/14-15/2000): “The Art of Storytelling in Africa:

    The Narrative Structure of a Folktale in the Idaacha Dialect of Yoruba.”

*  Indiana Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (INTESOL) Conference in

    Indianapolis (fall 1999): "Writing in English across cultures"

*  Pan-African Studies Conference at Indiana State University (ISU) in April 1999:

    “Communicating across and beyond: Africa in the Information Age”

*  INTESOL Conference in Indianapolis- Panel presentation (fall 1998):

    “Teaching English Abroad: The Cultural Issue”

*  INTESOL Conference in Indianapolis (fall 1998):

    “These Words Don’t Mean The Same Thing Across Languages and Cultures”

*  Pan-African Studies Conference at Indiana State University (ISU) in April 1998:

    “African Linguistics: Tones in Yoruba and Idaacha”

*  Pan-African Studies Conference at ISU in April 1997: “Scrambling for Africa Again”

*  INTESOL Conference (fall 1996): “Teaching African Literature in English to Speakers of

    Other Languages: The Cultural Issue”

 

PUBLICATIONS

 

* "The Idaacha Communities in the Republic of Benin: Juggling for Linguistic and Ethnic

     Identity," in Leonard R.N. Ashley and Wayne H. Finke, eds. Language and Identity.

     East Rockaway, NY: Cummings + Hathaway Publishers, 2004, 49-62.

 

 "Beyond Those Arbitrary Borders," in Adebayo Oyebade, ed. The Foundations of Nigeria.

     Trenton, NJ: Africa World Press, Inc, 2003, 529-544.

 

 “From Nigeria to Benin: Introducing the Ìdàáchà Dialect of Yorùbá,” in Adebayo Oyebade,

     ed. The Transformation of  Nigeria. Trenton, NJ: Africa World Press, Inc, 2002, 559-583.

 

  “The Art of Storytelling in Africa: The Narrative Structure of a Folktale in the Ìdàáchà

     Dialect of Yorùbá,” in Africa in Transition: A Retrospect of the 20th Century, Conference

     Proceedings. Kentucky State University: Frankfort, 14-15 April 2000, 116-126.

 

 African Lines: a weekly column in the Ball State Daily News--Issues related to Africa    

     and people of African descent (from fall 1998 until spring 2000):

     "Development of Africa must not fall behind." The Ball State Daily News 28 April 2000:4.  

     "Student gives appreciation to supporters." The Ball State Daily News 21 April 2000:  4.

     "Africa can evolve successfully with action." The Ball State Daily News 14 April 2000:  4.

     "International festival creates memories." The Ball State Daily News 7 April 2000:  4.

     "African girls face educational challenges." The Ball State Daily News 31 March 2000:  4.

     "African festival to focus on education." The Ball State Daily News 20 March 2000:  4.

     "Africans should rise to help Mozambique." The Ball State Daily News 3 March 2000:  4.

     "Everyone should be concerned with hate." The Ball State Daily News 25 Feb.  2000:  4.

     "Dinner with president an honor, privilege." The Ball State Daily News 18 Feb.  2000:  4.

     "King's dream still not completely realized." The Ball State Daily News 11 Feb.  2000:  4.

     "Experiences help understand future." The Ball State Daily News 4 Feb.  2000:  4.

     "Plague of military coups hits Ivory Coast." The Ball State Daily News 28 Jan.  2000:  4.

     "Study shows minorities avoid science." The Ball State Daily News 21 Jan.  2000:  4.

     "Promise of freedom blossoms in Africa." The Ball State Daily News 14 Jan. 2000:  4.

     "Leadership provides stability in country." The Ball State Daily News 10 Dec. 1999:  4.

     "New millennium brings global changes." The Ball State Daily News 3 Dec. 1999:  4.

     "Ball State not dragging feet in diversity." The Ball State Daily News 18 Nov. 1999:  4.

     "New king of Morocco should help country." The Ball State Daily News 12 Nov.1999:  4.

     "EgyptAir crash prompts look at country." The Ball State Daily News 5 Nov. 1999:  4.

     "Tanzanian President's death mourned." The Ball State Daily News 29 Oct. 1999:  4.

     "Hate crimes violate sacred rights of human beings." The Ball State Daily News 21 Oct.

     1999:  4.

     "American food names influenced by French." The Ball State Daily News 8 Oct. 1999:  4.

     "African unity summit in Lybia a success." The Ball State Daily News 1 Oct. 1999:  4.

     "Communication is a key to world peace." The Ball State Daily News 24 Sept. 1999:  4.

     "Francophile colonial policy hurts Africa." The Ball State Daily News 17 Sept. 1999:  4.

     "Thin line exists between culture, politics." The Ball State Daily News 10 Sept. 1999:  4.

     "Africans should decolonize their minds." The Ball State Daily News 3 Sept. 1999:  4.

     "Names important in African heritage." The Ball State Daily News 26 Aug. 1999:  4.

     "Socioeconomic status of Africa low." The Ball State Daily News 21 April 1999:  4.

     "Cruel realities of world events cause more appreciation for humane leaders." The Ball

       State Daily News 7 April 1999:  4.

     "Women of Africa treated with respect." The Ball State Daily News 24 March 1999:  4.

     "We must all work to educate." The Ball State Daily News 3 March 1999:  4.

     "U.S. democratic system best example." The Ball State Daily News 17 Feb. 1999:  4.

     "African nations should embrace unity." The Ball State Daily News 3 Feb. 1999:  4.

     "MLK Day celebrates our racial diversity." The Ball State Daily News 20 Jan. 1999:  4.

     "Africans celebrate deities with symbols." The Ball State Daily News 9 Dec. 1998:  4.

     "Proverb gives foundation for way of life." The Ball State Daily News 18 Nov. 1998:  4.

     "African literature gives insight to culture." The Ball State Daily News 4 Nov. 1998:  4.

     "Halloween traditions grow on columnist." The Ball State Daily News 21 Oct. 1998:  4.

     "African nations have tragic histories." The Ball State Daily News 7 Oct. 1998:  4.

     "Africa far from 'dark continent' image." The Ball State Daily News 23 Sept. 1998:  4.

 

 “Scrambling for Africa again," in Molefi K. Asante, ed. Journal of Black Studies.

      Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc., vol. 29, no. 5/May 1999, 610-618.

     

 Co-author of "Teaching English abroad: the cultural issue," INTESOL, fall 1998

     [online]:www.intesol.org

 

 "Teaching African Literature in English to Speakers of Other Languages: The Cultural

     Issue," INTESOL, fall 1996-1997 [online]: http://www.intesol.org/baloubi.html

 

LANGUAGES

 

*  European languages: English, French, and Spanish.  

African languages: Idaacha, Yoruba, Fongbe, and Dendi

 

AWARDS

 

*   Travel Grant--the Ball State Office of Academic Research & Sponsored Programs

     (04/2000)

*   Leadership Award, 2000—The Ball State University African Student Association

*   Internal Grant for Doctoral Research (summer 1998)

*   Fulbright Scholarship (fall 1995 to summer 1999)

*   The British Council Scholarship (fall 1989 to fall 1990)

*   The British Council Grant (summer 1986)

*   The Association of African Universities Scholarship (fall 1974 to spring 1977)

 

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

 

Member of the American Society of Geolinguistics

 

PROJECTS

 

*  Indiana Public Radio: A Growing Model of Strategic Planning

*  TEM-COF (Project Member)

    Recommending “a strategy for moving BSU back to national prominence in the use of

    technology on campus” (Dr. Steele, ICS 601, Fall 1998).      

*  Ball Memorial Hospital (BMH) (Project Member)

    Post-testing usability of CAMI-Information database and charting device: Input from

    BMH’s caretakers, nurses, and physicians.                                                             

*  UN/High Commissioner for Refugees: ‘Université Populaire Solidarité’ (Project Director)

    Setting up information database and coordinating a government-approved project of free

    education for Togolese refugees in the Republic of Benin.