Assistant Professor, English

Position Details

Position Type Faculty, Tenure Track Classification Title Assistant Professor Position's Functional Title Assistant Professor, English Position Start Date 08/16/2020 Position End Date (if temporary) Position Summary

Governors State University (University Park, IL) is a minority-majority institution inviting applications for a tenure track position as an Assistant Professor in English to begin in the Fall Semester 2021.

We seek a teacher-scholar who is a generalist with a strong commitment to teaching and scholarship in Non-Western Literature and dedicated to enhancing our culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion while complementing existing faculty strengths. The candidate must have significant experience in teaching World Literature courses. In addition, the preferred candidate will have experience in teaching college composition, and knowledge of Writing Studies pedagogy. Candidates will be expected to teach the following courses on a regular basis: World Literature I and II, Graduate Seminar in World Literature, and Writing Studies I and II (first-year composition). Depending on interest and expertise, candidates will also have the opportunity to teach courses from among the following: Regional World Literature, African Novel, Native American Literature, Comparative Latin American Literature, and Chinese Literature and Culture; as well as Graduate Seminars in Women’s Literature and in Literary/Critical Theory. Top candidates must be fluent in the English language, be able to communicate well, demonstrate outstanding potential for excellence in teaching, and be experienced in the use of hands-on innovative curricular approaches that are student-centered and inquiry-based.

Additional teaching responsibilities in the major or graduate program will vary based on area(s) of expertise. We also expect our new Assistant Professor in English to develop new courses that will enhance both our B.A. and M.A. curriculums.

The English Program at Governors State University offers an undergraduate (B.A.) degree with concentrations in English and English Teacher Education, a Post-Bachelor Certificate in English Teacher Education. We also offer a graduate (M.A.) degree in English with concentrations in Literature and Writing (thesis and non-thesis options). Our faculty are dedicated to advancing the teaching, research, and service missions of the university.

Governors State University is the only regional public comprehensive university in Chicago’s south suburban area, serving more than 5,500 students annually. Since its founding in 1969, GSU has offered accessible, high-value educational opportunities to a culturally diverse student body of first-generation students, returning adults, and veterans. With the lowest undergraduate tuition in Illinois, GSU offers accredited programs that have earned high praise from national accrediting agencies. In 2014, GSU accepted its inaugural class of first-year students as it transitioned from an upper-division and graduate institution into a regional comprehensive university with a state-of-the-art general education program. New faculty at GSU must demonstrate enthusiasm and ability to work with students at all levels, from first-year to graduate.

Through its strategic planning, GSU emphasizes excellence, access, and innovation. Students benefit from the university’s academic quality, range of convenient class times, increasingly numerous hybrid and online offerings, and outstanding educational value. Our innovative lower-division program uses high-impact practices to foster student engagement with ethics, citizenship, and innovative thinking. Every first-year class is taught by a full-time faculty member to ensure that students have a strong foundation for their studies. GSU is a national leader in successful transfer of community college students to universities, and is leading through the Kresge-supported Dual Degree Program, with features such as tuition lock-in at GSU for academically eligible community college students who commit to earn an Associate Degree and attend college full-time. GSU offers a wide variety of master’s programs and several applied doctoral degrees in health, counseling fields, and Interdisciplinary Leadership.

GSU’s 750-acre campus encompasses the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park yet is conveniently located within easy reach of Chicago and surrounding communities with a wealth of cultural and natural attractions. The highly diverse region GSU serves has a number of high-performing schools and engaged communities as well as struggling urban, suburban, and rural communities. GSU serves as a public square, working to foster educational opportunities for all populations.

It is the policy of Governors State University, in its role as educator, employer, and purchaser of goods and services, to provide equal opportunity and affirmative action. Discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status is strictly prohibited.

Salary and benefits package are commensurate with education and experience.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Ph.D. in English or closely related field. ABD candidates who will have a Ph.D. in hand by August 16, 2021 may be considered.
2. College-level teaching experience in Non-Western literatures.
3. Evidence of potential for strong record of scholarship in Non-Western literatures.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience with non-traditional, first-generation, and/or traditionally underserved student populations.
2. Demonstrated ability to infuse course content with scholarship related to underrepresented and marginalized groups.
3. Experience with teaching first-year composition.
4. Experience teaching online courses.
5. Experience teaching at graduate level.
6. Demonstrated record of scholarship through publication and conference presentations.
7. Ability to contribute to related minors in Latin American, Caribbean, and Latina/o Studies; Global Studies; Gender and Sexuality Studies; and/or an upcoming Black Studies minor.

Posting Date 08/17/2020 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Posting Number FA0363P Type of Search External Quicklink for Posting http://employment.govst.edu/postings/5442 Employee ID Department Special Instructions to Applicants

To apply, applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts, statement of teaching philosophy, and list of professional references with contact information by November 1, 2020, in order to receive full consideration, although applications will be accepted until the position is filled. References will only be contacted prior to candidate interviews.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * What is the highest level of education attained?
   • GED
   • High School Diploma
   • Associates Degree
   • Bachelors Degree
   • Masters Degree
   • Doctorate Degree
   • ABD
2. * What academic discipline did you earn your degree(s) in?
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
3. * Do you have experience teaching at the college/university level?
   • yes
   • no
4. * Do you have experience in developing and/or teaching online (web-based) courses?
   • No
   • No but interested and able to do so
   • Yes I have taught online courses
   • Yes I have developed online courses
   • Yes, I have developed and taught online courses

Required Documents
Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Teaching Philosophy
4. Transcripts
5. List of References

Optional Documents

1. Other
2. Other2
3. Other3
4. Other4
5. Letter of Recommendation