Assistant Professor, African American Literature

As the University’s largest and most varied academic unit, the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS) is comprised of artists, learners, performers, scholars, scientists, and teachers across 21+ departments, programs, schools, and centers and acts as a central hub where many of the University's disciplines intersect. Nearly all 6,000 undergraduates at the University take liberal arts courses with us, and about one-third of these students declare a first major in a CAHSS program. Many of our departments, programs, and schools offer masters or doctoral programs. CAHSS scholars, artists, instructors, staff, and students collaborate in a shared quest for knowledge about the human condition and the development of skills to improve our local and global communities. The diverse scope of CAHSS allows our students to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed at nearly any career in today’s global society.

The Department of English and Literary Arts occupies a distinctive position in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. English has two major components—creative/ performative and theoretical/literary historical. Students bridge the two areas while concentrating in one. In addition, English has three separate constituencies—undergraduate majors and minors, MA students pursuing literary studies, and Ph.D. students who focus on creative writing (poetry, prose, and hybrid genres) or literary studies. Our programs benefit from an ethos that facilitates and encourages work and thinking that bridges the critical-creative divide.

The College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and Department of English and Literary Arts are strongly committed to building a diverse and inclusive educational environment, which is in full accord with the value that DU places on its commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion. Candidates must demonstrate ability to integrate content and issues relating to, and to work effectively with, ethnically/racially diverse populations.

Position Summary

The Department of English and Literary Arts in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at the University of Denver, an R1 university, seeks applicants for an Assistant Professor of African American Literature. This position will be responsible for teaching undergraduate and graduate level courses; directing undergraduate and graduate theses/dissertations; advising undergraduate and graduate students; and contributing to the intellectual life of the department through individual and collaborative initiatives, including their research / scholarship and service. Our faculty teach a range of courses, for general education students as well as majors and graduate students.

Essential Functions

• Teach five 4-credit courses (or substitute two student tutorials for one of those courses) spread over three 10-week terms. Courses could be both general education and for English majors & graduate students.
• Facilitate graduate student tutorials involving 1-3 students working on a specialized topic under supervision of the faculty member
• Direct undergraduate and graduate theses/dissertations
• Advise student majors
• Research and publication
• Service at the departmental level and beyond.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional abilities in scholarly activities as required by the department/college and position.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with a variety of teaching methods.
• Initiative and ability to work both independently and in a collaborative, collegial environment.
• Demonstrated experience interacting with diverse communities or evidence of a commitment to incorporate inclusive teaching methods and/or pedagogies to effectively engage broadly diverse student populations.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Terminal degree (Ph.D. in English or related field, or ABD with the expectation that the Ph.D. will be completed by September 1, 2025).
• Experience: Successful relevant teaching experience at the college level, which can include GTA experience.
• A clearly defined research and publication agenda

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in English or related field. Specialization in African American literature and culture.
• Record of excellent teaching experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to and experience in using inclusive pedagogies.

Working Environment

1. Standard office environment.
2. Unexpected interruptions occur often, and stress level is moderate to high.
3. Noise level is quiet to moderate.

Physical Activities

1. Ability to sit in front of a com