Assistant Professor - Theatre History and Criticism

SUMMARY

The School of Theatre and Dance invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Theatre History and Criticism. The successful candidate will be an engaged member of the intellectual, creative, and organizational life of the Denard Haden School of Theatre and Dance. We seek a collaborative colleague who values working with students and faculty across areas and degree programs and who will contribute to the continued development of the School’s academic and artistic mission. In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to maintain an active scholarly and/or creative research agenda appropriate to the discipline and to participate in service to the School, College, University, and profession.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching, mentorship, and continued development as an educator. Area of specialization is open. We seek a teacher-scholar whose expertise complements the strengths of the existing faculty while expanding the intellectual, cultural, and artistic breadth of the School’s curriculum.

Areas of research and teaching may encompass a range of historical periods, geographic and cultural contexts, theatrical traditions, methodologies, and interdisciplinary approaches to theatre and performance studies. Candidates whose scholarship and teaching foster connections among theatre history, dramatic literature, performance, and contemporary theatrical practice are especially encouraged to apply.

Teaching responsibilities may include courses in theatre history, dramatic literature and analysis, introductory theatre courses, and additional courses related to the candidate’s areas of expertise and the curricular needs of the Denard Haden School of Theatre and Dance.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Ph.D. or DFA in Theatre, Theatre Studies, Performance Studies, or a closely related field by the time of appointment.
• University-level teaching experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to undergraduate teaching, advising, and mentorship.
• Evidence of, or demonstrated potential for, sustained scholarly and/or creative research activity appropriate to the discipline.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Preference will be given to candidates who:

• Demonstrates an effective and clearly articulated approach to undergraduate teaching and an ongoing commitment to pedagogical development.
• Demonstrates the ability to teach theatre history, dramatic literature and analysis, and introductory theatre courses.
• Possesses scholarly and teaching interests that complement existing faculty expertise while broadening the intellectual, cultural, and artistic scope of the School’s curriculum.
• Demonstrates the ability to engage students from a range of theatrical interests and degree programs.
• Demonstrates an interest in collaboration across the academic, artistic, and production areas of the School.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track faculty position responsible for contributing significantly to Stephen F. Austin State University’s undergraduate and/or graduate programs through teaching, scholarship/creative accomplishment, and service. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the chair.

QUALIFICATIONS

Terminal degree in the field in which the individual will be teaching is required. ABD candidates may be considered if Ph.D. is earned prior to start date.

The rank of Assistant Professor is held by an individual who demonstrates the capability to produce research/scholarly/creative accomplishments, teach effectively, and provide service to the academic and general communities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Performs an equivalent of twenty-four teaching load credits (TLC) for the combined fall and spring semesters; reduction of teaching load through reassignment of duties is possible under certain circumstances.
2. Engages in research/scholarly/creative and service activities at levels that are appropriate to faculty rank and departmental tenure/merit criteria.
3. Provides services to the university and the profession.
4. Participates in promotion review of lower-ranked faculty members within the department.
5. When tenured, participates in tenure review of candidates for tenure.
6. May conduct supplemental instructional activities such as independent studies, internships, advising, and thesis/dissertation supervision.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. May receive course load reassignment when assigned administrative duties in support of the department/college/university.
2. May receive course load reassignment when assigned to prepare course material during the first semester/year when included as part of initial contract.
3. May receive course load reassignment when approved to conduct research/scholarly/creative accomplishment and service which exceed normal expectations.
4. May supervise the work of student and/or graduate assistants.
5. May serve on departmental, college, and university committees.
6. Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

1. Extensive knowledge in the field in which the individual will be teaching.
2. Ability to effectively teach undergraduate and/or graduate students.
3. Ability and commitment to conduct research and/or scholarly/creative accomplishments and service.
4. Ability to work within a collaborative faculty environment.
5. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
6. Ability to work effectively and patiently with students.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Safety Statement

Stephen F. Austin State University recognizes the potential for accidents in performing job-related tasks. SFA promotes a safe working environment. Employees will be responsible for completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently. Employee evaluations will include safe job performance.

This is a security-sensitive position subject to criminal record check.

This is an IT-sensitive position subject to the Computer and Network Security policy.

Sponsorship Statement

In accordance with USCIS regulations, successful applicants must be legally able to accept work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

This position is eligible for participation in the Optional Retirement Program (ORP), subject to the position being full-time and at least 4 1/2 months in length, or the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) retirement plan, subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

For resources regarding retirement and benefits, navigate to the University of Texas System Employee Benefit page.

Additional benefits for SFA employees are detailed on the SFA Benefits page.