Instructor - African American Studies

Logo : Posting Number :

FAC00164PO25

Advertised Title :

Instructor - African American Studies

Campus : Columbia

College / Division :

College of Arts and Sciences

Department :

CAS African American Studies

Advertised Salary Range :

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.

Location of Vacancy :

Columbia, SC

Part / Full Time : Full Time

Hours per Week : 40

Position Category :

Full-time Equivalent (FTE)

Basis : 9 months

Work County : Richland

Tenure Information : Professional Track

Job Search Category :

Faculty

About University of South Carolina :

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

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 :

Desired Start Date : 08 / 16 / 2026

Job Open Date : 09 / 08 / 2025

Open Until Filled : Yes

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. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This position is open until filled. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

Quicklink for Posting :

https : / / uscjobs.sc.edu / postings / 194391

EEO Statement :

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV / AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.