Position Title:

Assistant Teaching Professor in Religion and Society

Location:

Arizona State University, West Campus

School of Humanities, Arts, and Cultural Studies (SHArCS)

Position Type (Track):

Career track.

Open Date:

10/31/23

Position Description:

The Philosophy, Religion, and Society (PRS) program in the School of Arts, Humanities, and Cultural Studies (SHArCS) in New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU) is seeking applicants for a full-time, benefits-eligible, non-tenure track Assistant Teaching Professor in Religion and Society, preferably with expertise in one or more of the following areas: Indigenous religions, Latin American religions, or psychology of religion. Preference will be given to candidates with experience teaching religious studies and proficiency in linking religion to social issues.

The teaching load is 4/4 (12 credits per semester) and will require both online and in-person courses. The successful candidate will be expected to regularly teach from a pool of 100- to 400-level undergraduate courses that contribute to the major. These courses address religion in relation to societal topics like sacred crimes, social issues, pop culture, or science. We seek a candidate who will play an active role in enhancing the transdisciplinary aims of the School of Humanities, Arts, and Cultural Studies to contribute to other programs, within the school. The candidate should develop one or more new courses in their area of expertise that contribute to two programs of study and diversify course offerings. These courses may contribute to graduate programs in Interdisciplinary Studies, Social Justice and Human Rights, or others, depending on the candidate’s area of expertise. The workload typically consists of 80% teaching and 20% service activities in support of the unit, college, and/or university, and may have opportunities for summer teaching.

About the School:

Arizona State University is strongly committed to diversifying its faculty. We thus welcome and encourage applications from people who identify as belonging to groups traditionally underrepresented in religious studies.

Students in the Philosophy, Religion, and Society (PRS) major are taught the basic philosophical questions all people ask, how to critically think about these questions, and why this is necessary for a good society. The program welcomes scholarship and teaching that engages critical paradigms and innovative approaches. The program is designed to train students to think critically and to be accountable to the communities they engage in. Student success is gauged by critical thinking, exposure to both Western and non-Western philosophies and religious practices, and the acquisition of multicultural perspectives about the world around them. Philosophy and Religion are taught as a living conversation about the questions that all humans face as they pursue truth, beauty, goodness, and justice.

Members of the School of Humanities, Arts and Cultural Studies (SHArCS) in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences are committed to excellence in teaching and research, and SHArCS is proud of the accomplishments of our faculty, students, and graduates. We are a research-oriented school where our priority is the discovery of new knowledge in all of our degree areas. Faculty in SHArCS contribute to the master’s programs in Interdisciplinary Studies; Social Justice and Human Rights; and English. Students are encouraged to participate in faculty-student collaborative research projects, explore cross-cultural and global perspectives, employ the latest computer technology, and apply what they have learned in community-based internships. More information about the School, its faculty, and its degree programs can be found at https://newcollege.asu.edu/humanities-arts-cultural-studies-degree-programs.

ASU is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy, and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural, and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real-world applications blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 80,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth-largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

All we do at ASU is guided and inspired by the University Charter, which reads:

ASU is a comprehensive public research university, measured not by whom it excludes but by whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural, and overall health of the communities it serves. At New College, we work to maximize opportunities for people of diverse backgrounds, abilities, and perspectives. We strive to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for all faculty, staff, and students, which we believe is critical to our success as a community.

Successful candidates will demonstrate throughout their materials how their teaching, research, and service will contribute to the fulfillment of this charter.

Essential Functions of the Position:

• Teach courses in relevant areas.
• Participate in service activities in the school, college, and university.
• Expand curricular offerings and enhance interdisciplinary course offerings across colleges or programs.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Doctorate or terminal degree in Religious Studies or related field by time of appointment.

Desired Qualifications:

• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: Indigenous religions, Latin American religions, or psychology of religion
• Demonstrated commitment to working successfully with a diverse student population, including first-generation college students
• Previous college-level experience teaching religious studies
• Demonstrated commitment to working with faculty, staff, students, and communities to advance the principles of the ASU Charter

Application Instructions

Application Deadline:

The initial application deadline is December 15, 2023, at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled. A background check and official transcripts are required prior to employment. For assistance with your application, or for position-related questions, contact Tracy DeBerge at [email protected].

Application Procedure:

Only electronic submissions via Interfolio will be reviewed. All required materials must be submitted at time of initial application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please submit all application materials to apply.interfolio.com/135591

Applications must contain:

• Cover letter that addresses the required and desired qualifications and how your experience will demonstrate the University Charter
• Curriculum vitae with contact information, including telephone number and e-mail address
• One-page statement of teaching philosophy
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness – e.g., student evaluations, syllabi, peer observation, annual evaluations, etc.
• Unofficial graduate transcripts
• Information for three professional references (their position, title, e-mail, phone number), one reference must be from your current or most recent employer

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon the successful passing of the background check.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

A background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is a Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. (See https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html and https://www.asu.edu/titleIX/.)

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.