Assistant Professor of English – African American Literature
The English Department in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is seeking a full-time, academic year, tenure-track Assistant Professor of English at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, to begin September 12, 2022. Specialization in African American Literature. Ph.D. in English or related field required. The successful candidate will join those faculty currently teaching African American Literature, along with recent hires in Indigenous Literatures and Global-Anglophone Literatures, to diversify the department’s curricular offerings, including the teaching of African American literary texts in our recently revised English major and M.A. graduate program as well as in our university-wide GE program and its United States Cultural Pluralism (USCP) courses. This position also offers the flexibility to create new courses of the candidate’s own design and the opportunity to work closely with individual students on senior projects. The specific teaching emphasis and research interest within African American literature are open, but we seek empathetic teachers, innovative scholars, and collaborative colleagues.
Cal Poly strongly values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), especially in the classroom and among its areas of study. This position is part of a college-wide cluster of searches designed to increase curricular coverage of areas related to DEI, as well as to promote inclusive and equity-minded teaching strategies across the university. Successful candidates will be expected to contribute to the college’s goals in these areas.
The other searches are for positions in the following disciplines across campus:
• Rhetoric (Communication Studies)
• World History (History)
• Public Policy (Political Science)
• Counseling/Clinical Psychology with Cultural & Linguistic Competency (Psychology & Child Development)
• International Political Economy (Social Sciences)
• Feminist/Queer/Trans*Dis/Ability Studies (Women’s, Gender & Queer Studies)
• Latina/o/x Studies (Ethnic Studies) – 2 positions
Candidates selected through this DEI cluster hire will be given start-up funds to support their work in DEI. Once hired, candidates will collaborate with their dean and others to develop a plan for utilizing these funds for supplemental compensation, assigned time, or professional development activities.
At California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds, experiences and value systems fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly’s values of free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility. Cal Poly’s commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. California Polytechnic State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Specialization in African American Literature. Ph.D. in English or related field required.
Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centred learning and teaching, as well as the ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings, is required. Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preference will be given to those with experience in working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive and inclusive environment. Preference will also be given to those with relevant work experience and those who bring professional capabilities.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The English Department, in the College of Liberal Arts, is one of the largest academic units within the University. The department offers BA and MA degrees in English, an English minor, a Linguistics minor, and certificates in Teaching English as a Second Language and Technical Communication. The department has approximately 300 English majors and offers many courses to satisfy the General Education and Breadth requirements for all Cal Poly students. The department is comprised of a department chair, 20 tenure-line faculty, and 45 lecturer, faculty and teaching associates.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please visit http://jobs.calpoly.edu/, complete a required online faculty application, and apply to Job Number #505087. Please attach to your electronic application a cover letter, vita, transcript copy, statement of teaching philosophy, and writing sample indicative of an area of scholarship. In the cover letter, the applicant should also address the feasibility of conducting a research program within the context of a primarily teaching-oriented undergraduate program.
Applicants must include a statement of demonstrated commitment to DEI in teaching, scholarship and/or service describing the experience, contributions to DEI efforts, the impact on students, faculty, staff and/or your field and a description of how you will demonstrate a commitment in these areas in teaching, research, and/or service at Cal Poly.
Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the application. Cal Poly will directly solicit letters from the individuals listed by applicants. An official sealed transcript showing the highest degree earned will be required prior to appointment. This position is open until filled.
The review begins on: October 27, 2021. Applicants with complete files by the Review Begin Date will be given full consideration. If you have questions, please email Dr. Doug Keesey (English Dept. Chair) at [email protected].
