Pro Tem Instructor of Comic Studies

Department Summary

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is the intellectual hub of the University of Oregon, serving nearly two-thirds of all students. Home to more than 800 faculty across 50+ departments and programs in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, CAS is a dynamic and interdisciplinary academic community. Our faculty and advisors work closely with students to develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and clear communication skills to address real-world challenges. CAS staff and managers are integral to this work, playing vital roles in supporting academic excellence and advancing the mission of both the College and the University.

The English Department at the University of Oregon is passionate about telling stories; making strong, ethical arguments; and debating the big ideas raised in literary arts and popular culture. Our small classes are taught by experts with a passion for understanding how language and representation shape history, identity, and experience. Students in English classes study and discuss texts of all kinds, including poems, plays, TV shows, movies, video games, song lyrics, essays, and novels. We teach argumentative writing, critical thinking, and ethical dialogue. Our major, minors, and graduate programs include distinctive offerings in environmental humanities, comics studies, medical humanities, disability studies, digital humanities, rhetoric and writing, and the study of race, ethnicity, and indigeneity.

Position Summary

The Pro Tem Instructor of Comic Studies teaches courses focused on the analysis, history, theory, and creation of comics and graphic narratives. This role engages students with comics as a significant artistic, literary, and cultural form, examining visual storytelling, sequential art, graphic design, and narrative structure across global traditions. The instructor develops and delivers inclusive, interdisciplinary curricula that may incorporate literary studies, cultural studies, media studies, art, and popular culture. Responsibilities include course planning, instruction, assessment, student advising, as well as contributing to departmental and institutional initiatives in support of student learning.

Updated: this limited duration position is expected to teach during winter term 2027, which carries a contract effective date of 12/16/26.

Minimum Requirements

• M.A. in English including advanced, interdisciplinary study in related fields.
• Experience teaching one or more college level courses entirely devoted to the comics medium which demonstrate both historical rigor and formal engagement.

Professional Competencies

• Ability to foster inclusive, collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, and students from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Training and experience in college-level academic, expository, and/or argumentative reading and writing to first-year students.
• A Ph.D. in English, Creative Writing, Comparative Literature, or related field
• A publication record in peer-reviewed academic journals on the topic of comic studies.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.

The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.

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