Department of African American Studies
Instructor Professional Track
African American Studies or related field
The faculty of the Department of African American Studies at the University of South Carolina Columbia campus invites applications for a full-time, professional-track faculty position at the rank of Instructor to begin January 1, 2025. The position is a 9-month appointment with a teaching load of eight courses for the academic year. This is an annual appointment that may be renewed contingent upon the Dean’s approval, satisfactory performance, departmental needs, and the availability of funding.
Candidates must have at least a MA Degree in any relevant field in African American Studies, the humanities, social and behavioral sciences, health sciences, and economics.
The position’s main responsibilities are teaching courses focusing on the founding documents of the United States, including the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Federalist Papers, and the Emancipation Proclamation. The Department of African American Studies approaches the teaching of these documents through robust exploration of evolving definitions of freedom in the United States, centering an analysis of the lives and writings of African Americans who have struggled to realize the country’s founding principles and core values. In considering how the provisions of these documents impact the everyday lives of African Americans from the seventeenth century to the present, we welcome interdisciplinary perspectives and modes of inquiry that range from history and political science to rhetoric, gender studies, philosophy, anthropology, sociology, environmental studies, and more.
Teaching is the primary focus of this position, with some flexibility to pursue a research agenda, collaborate with scholars in the program, and contribute to the intellectual life of the university. The successful candidate will teach four courses each semester, focusing on the Freedom Papers: Narratives of Race and Nation course. Additional courses offered may address social and historical topics in African American Studies, the arts and cultural foundations in African American Studies, and/or contemporary topics in African American Studies and related interdisciplinary fields.
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate, and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster, and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online, or blended learning. All of our system institutions place a strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
The Department of African American Studies at USC was established in 1971 to shine a light on the African American experience throughout history. Scholars in this program have advanced our social, cultural, and political understanding of the African American experience. Studying Black intellectual traditions gives our students the perspectives to adapt to a changing world and informs our commitment to social equity and civil discourse. For more information about the Department of African American Studies, please visit our website at https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/artsandsciences/african_american_studies/index.php.
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
How to Apply
All applicants must apply online at USCJobs at https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/167052. Applications must include: (1) a cover letter that describes their research and teaching interests, (2) a curriculum vitae, and (3) three signed letters of reference.
The review process will begin on August 16, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. Inquiries about this position may be directed to Pamela Martin at ppmartin@mailbox.sc.edu.