Assistant Professor of English, Contemporary International Literature

Assistant Professor of English, Contemporary International Literature

Birmingham-Southern College invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Contemporary International Literature at the rank of Assistant Professor in the Department of English. The position will begin August 2022.

BSC is committed to finding a teacher/scholar who will bring a new and diverse perspective to the study of literature. The specialization within this time frame is open, but the successful candidate will contribute to a transatlantic survey course (Literatures in English, 1850-present). The successful candidate may teach existing courses such as Contextual Studies in World Literature, or Contemporary International Literature, but we are eager to have a new colleague create courses at introductory, intermediate, and advanced undergraduate levels. Secondary expertise in creative writing and/or advanced composition is a priority.

Applications are particularly welcome from candidates who can contribute to a new interdisciplinary program in Black Studies. We are also interested in applicants whose secondary interests align with our programs in Gender and Women's Studies, Human Rights and Conflict Studies, or Urban and Environmental Studies. The department is especially interested in qualified candidates who have a demonstrated commitment to building a diverse and inclusive scholarly environment and who have a proven record of working with a diverse student body.

As the department is experiencing a large number of retirements, our new colleague will have the opportunity to provide leadership as we revise the major and reimagine the department's role at the College. For example, we are in the process of building a program with strengths in digital pedagogies and outward-facing, project-based learning (public humanities) and would welcome a colleague with strengths in these areas. A successful candidate might contribute to the College in a number of ways: engaging students in digital humanities research (archival or big data), developing courses on the Black Atlantic, or examining key literary movements from a global perspective.

Commitment to undergraduate teaching and research in the liberal arts tradition is essential. Teaching load is 3-1-3, including a non-traditional January term project of the professor's own creation. English faculty members typically contribute one course per term to our writing program, one course suitable for general education, and a third primarily for English majors. Ph.D. in Literature or related field is required. Eligible candidates must have received their Ph.D. by time of employment.

BSC is located just minutes from downtown Birmingham, the largest city in Alabama and a leading hub for banking and medical research in the Southeast. There are six institutions of higher education within a short commute. The community sponsors a symphony, ballet, opera, and several museums as well as annual art, music, and film festivals. There are numerous opportunities for outdoor activities within the city limits, and Birmingham is also within an easy day's drive of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Great Smoky Mountains, and the Gulf of Mexico.

To apply, submit a letter of application, curriculum vita, a one-page statement of teaching philosophy, writing sample, and three reference letters via Interfolio. Review process will begin November 15, 2021, and continue until the position is filled. Questions should be sent to the department chair, Dr. Tynes Cowan, at tcowan@bsc.edu.

Applications submitted via mail should be sent to: Tynes Cowan Chair, Department of English Birmingham-Southern College 900 Arkadelphia Road, Box 594028 Birmingham, AL 35254

BSC is an equal opportunity employer and is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute through their teaching, research, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community. BSC complies with the Alabama Child Protection Act and E-Verify.


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