Assistant Professor of Literary Studies

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF LITERARY STUDIES

Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D) is seeking candidates for a full-time position in Literary Studies at the rank of Assistant Professor, beginning August 16, 2024.

POSITION SUMMARY AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Maine College of Art & Design seeks a colleague with expertise in either contemporary African American, Indigenous or Latinx literatures and cultures to teach within the Academic Studies Program. This colleague will be expected to teach critical writing courses and will assume responsibility for overseeing the College’s Writing Minor. The faculty member will have input on curricular initiatives at the college as well as the opportunity to develop courses within their area of expertise. Full faculty at MECA&D teach six courses a year and serve on a minimum of two committees.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in English, Comparative Literature, or Ethnic Studies, and will demonstrate a record of publishing and engagement in their field. As a teaching institution, the candidate must demonstrate excellence in teaching at the undergraduate level. Evidence of effective academic service, particularly regarding curriculum development, is desirable.

• Candidates with interest in developing classes that engage experimental and nontraditional literary forms are encouraged to apply.

• Interdisciplinary scholars who apply intersectional approaches to the production and reading of texts, performances, and aesthetic objects are encouraged to apply.

• An emphasis on gender and sexuality within the field of expertise is desired.

• The ability to teach upper-level courses in Visual Studies or Environmental Humanities is desired.

• PhD must be in hand by August 1, 2024.

ABOUT THE ACADEMIC STUDIES PROGRAM

The Academic Studies program prioritizes high quality teaching dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community within the classroom as well as the broader College environment. Academic Studies faculty at Maine College of Art & Design teach classes across the Liberal Arts to Studio majors pursuing the Bachelor of Fine Arts. The Program also offers classes team-taught with studio faculty, and houses minors in Art History, Sustainable Ecosystems: Art & Design (SEAD), and Writing. Faculty in Academic Studies participate in student critiques, college-wide reviews at the end of each semester, and engage actively with the art and design work of students at the College.

DIVERSITY

Maine College of Art & Design recognizes that diversity is integral to the academic experience and strives to foster an inclusive culture defined by respect, equity and social responsibility. Successful candidates will have demonstrated experience in working with diverse populations, and supporting an inclusive and equitable community. Maine College of Art & Design does not discriminate on the basis of gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, HIV status, race, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, or military/veteran’s status in its educational programs, admissions policies, employment policies, financial aid, or other College administered programs. Candidates from historically underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Candidates who submit their materials by February 2, 2024 are assured full consideration; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Digital applications are required. In one PDF file not to exceed 25MB please include: 

(1) an application letter that describes how the candidate’s experience, accomplishments and qualifications intersect with the position;

(2) a curriculum vitae;

(3) a teaching philosophy;

(4) a diversity statement;

(5) a representative writing sample;

(6) the names and contact information for four current professional references.

Attach the PDF to an email and send to employment@meca.edu. Place “Literary Studies Search: [Your Name]” in the Subject line. Applications will be kept confidential until such time as candidates visit campus. 

MAINE COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN

MECA&D brings together makers, educators, and leaders to enrich the evolving culture of the state and region. An independent college of art and design, MECA&D is a cornerstone of Downtown Portland, a diverse and vibrant waterfront city in a state which has served as an inspiration to artists for hundreds of years. Its history as a longstanding cultural institution in New England speaks to the College’s commitment to the value of creativity and the universality of artistic expression. New additions to the College’s programs include the Bob Crewe Program in Art and Music, a minor in Sustainable Ecosystems in Art and Design, the nationally known Salt Institute of Documentary Studies, and a BFA in Animation and Game Art, all of which complement MECA&D’s long-running Public Engagement program. 

Established in 1882, the College currently enrolls approximately 450 students. About 1,200 community members take classes through MECA&D’s Continuing Studies Program annually. MECA&D’s Joanne Waxman Library is an important resource of art­ and design ­oriented books and periodicals for the region. The Institute of Contemporary Art at MECA&D is a vibrant site for the exhibition of contemporary art.

MECA&D is characterized by its intimate learning community, its interdisciplinary nature and the breadth of its programs. It confers the degrees of Bachelor of Fine Arts in eleven majors, Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art, Master of Arts in Teaching, and the Salt Graduate Certificate in Documentary Studies. Maine College of Art & Design is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). The College’s accreditation status with both agencies was renewed in 2016.