The Department of Art History in the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University seeks a scholar and teacher of art and/or visual culture in the long nineteenth century with research/teaching specialization in any geographic/global region. The successful candidate will teach introductory and upper-level undergraduate lecture courses on nineteenth-century topics, as well as lecture courses and undergraduate and graduate seminars in their area of research specialization.
This is a tenure-track position with a standard 2-2 course load, and includes advising graduate research at the MA and PhD levels. All faculty in the Department of Art History receive regular research leaves and research/publication support.
We particularly encourage applications from candidates whose work crosses disciplinary boundaries; demonstrates theoretical/methodological fluency; engages with emerging scholarly fields in the humanities; and leverages/enhances the Department's existing strengths. Our program prioritizes new approaches to historical and emerging media; transformative engagement with race and gender; analysis of architecture and the politics of space; and attention to global circuits of art and power.
In collaboration with colleagues in allied specialties in the Department of Art History, the candidate will assume an important role in shaping the future of research, curriculum, and pedagogy at our institution. The candidate will develop courses for undergraduate and graduate students, both general surveys and focused research seminars; mentor students on all levels; supervise MA and PhD theses; and contribute to the overall vitality of the University through participation in interdisciplinary programs within the SMU Meadows School of the Arts and across campus.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Art History or related field in-hand by August 2027
Application Instructions
Applications must include:
- Cover Letter, CV, one or more publications/writing sample.
- Names/contact information of three professional references.
Applications must be submitted electronically via Interfolio at the following link: https://apply.interfolio.com/191542. To ensure full consideration for the position, the application must be received by November 20, 2026, though the committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled.Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.
Position Start Date: 1 August 2027.
Description of University:
Founded in 1969, the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University is one of the foremost arts education institutions in the United States. The Meadows School offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in advertising, art, art history, arts management and arts entrepreneurship, creative computation, music, theatre, dance, film and media arts, public affairs & corporate communication, journalism and fashion media. The goal of the Meadows School of the Arts, as a comprehensive educational institution, is to prepare students to meet the demands of professional careers. The Meadows School is a leader in developing innovative outreach and community engagement programs, challenging its students to make a difference locally and globally by developing vital connections between art, entrepreneurship and change. The Meadows School of the Arts is also a convener for the arts in North Texas, serving as a catalyst for new collaborations and providing critical industry research.
SMU, a private nonsectarian university of roughly 12,000 students, is an inclusive and intellectually diverse community of teachers and scholars that values diverse research and creative agendas and is dedicated to academic excellence. The Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex is a culturally rich arts and global business center and home to over eight million people, offering exceptional museums, diverse cultural attractions and a vibrant economy.
SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.