Instructor - African American Studies

Advertised Job Summary

The faculty of the Department of African American Studies at the University of South Carolina Columbia campus invites applications for a full-time, professional-track faculty position at the rank of Instructor to begin August 16, 2026. The position is a 9-month appointment with a teaching load of eight courses for the academic year. This is an annual appointment that may be renewed contingent upon the Dean’s approval, satisfactory performance, departmental needs, and the availability of funding.

The position’s main responsibilities are teaching courses focusing on the founding documents of the United States, including the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Federalist Papers, and the Emancipation Proclamation. The Department of African American Studies approaches the teaching of these documents through robust exploration of evolving definitions of freedom in the United States, centering an analysis of the lives and writings of African Americans who have struggled to realize the country’s founding principles and core values. In considering how the provisions of these documents impact the everyday lives of African Americans from the seventeenth century to the present, we welcome interdisciplinary perspectives and modes of inquiry that range from history and political science to rhetoric, gender studies, philosophy, anthropology, sociology, environmental studies, and more.

Teaching is the primary focus of this position, with some flexibility to pursue a research agenda, collaborate with scholars in the program, and contribute to the intellectual life of the university. The successful candidate will teach four courses each semester, focusing on the Freedom Papers: Narratives of Race and Nation course. Additional courses offered may address social and historical topics in African American Studies, the arts and cultural foundations in African American Studies, and/or contemporary topics in African American Studies and related interdisciplinary fields.

Required Education and Experience

• Candidates must have at least a MA degree in any relevant field in African American Studies, the humanities, social and behavioral sciences, health sciences, and economics by the start date of the appointment.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD. is preferred.

Special Instructions to Applicant

Applications must include: (1) a cover letter that describes their research and teaching interests, (2) a curriculum vitae, and (3) three signed letters of reference. Remember that applications are not complete until at least 3 signed letters are received.

Inquiries about this position may be directed to Birgitta Johnson at BJOHNSON@mozart.sc.edu with “AFAM PT Founding Documents” in the subject heading.

The review process will begin on November 15, 2025 and continue until the position is filled.