Assistant Professor of Religious Studies and American Studies
William & Mary

Position Number:

F0A65W

Assistant Professor of Religious Studies and American Studies

The Religious Studies Department at William & Mary promotes the idea that the in-depth study of religious traditions, spiritualities, and lived experiences in a variety of historical, cultural, and experiential contexts is integral to our students' understanding of themselves and our world. Through studying religions, we gain insight into important aspects of social life: gender and sexuality, race, power, art, literature, and media, to name a few. We develop intimate portraits of diverse lives from antiquity into the present. Ours is a uniquely interdisciplinary field, employing theories and methods of disciplines from history, anthropology, sociology, philosophy, and literary studies. Our students have gone on to enjoy success in a wide variety of fields, including law, business, education, medicine, religious leadership, journalism, and academia, and we are committed to providing them with the tools they need for the careers of the future.

The faculty of the Religious Studies department is committed to inclusive and effective pedagogy, offering small, student-focused classes, creative assignments, and research opportunities. Our pedagogical focus on developing student capacities for the clear expression of ideas, persuasive argumentation, rigorous analysis, critical evaluation, and self-reflection make the religious studies major at William & Mary a quintessentially liberal arts education.
American Studies examines the cultural, racial, and national issues that shape the Americas and the lives of peoples in "America." Our faculty have specialties that span Arts & Sciences. Our program centers collaborative, interdisciplinary research and learning in collective and individual settings. We offer an engaging environment that enables students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees to sustain intellectual and personal growth.

Information on the Degree programs in Religious Studies and American Studies may be found through the following links:https://www.wm.edu/as/americanstudies/
https://www.wm.edu/as/religiousstudies/

The Department of Religious Studies and the American Studies Program at William & Mary, a public university of the Commonwealth of Virginia, seek applications for a tenure track position at the Assistant / early Associate level in African Diaspora Religions in the Americas. Appointment will begin August 10, 2025. We are interested in individuals with research and teaching expertise in the study of African diaspora religions in the Americas (e.g., Rastafarianism, Santeria, Vodun, Candomblé, etc.). Language proficiency should be appropriate to field of study.Duties include research, teaching, and service to Religious Studies, American Studies, and the University. The applicant is expected to establish and maintain a vibrant research program that inspires a highly motivated undergraduate student body as well as M.A. and Ph.D. students (in American Studies).Teaching expectation is 2 courses per semester. This is a joint position between The Department of Religious Studies (50%, undergraduate only) and the American Studies Program (50%, undergraduate and graduate) at William & Mary. Successful applicants will be expected to contribute to teaching and advising MA and PhD students in American Studies and must possess the skills to teach compelling courses in African diaspora religions and upper-level lecture and seminar-style courses in topics in religion in the Americas and/or the United States.Applicants will find at William & Mary opportunities for interdisciplinary affiliations and for cross-listing courses with other vibrant units, such as Africana Studies and Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies, as well.

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Religious Studies, American Studies, Africana Studies, or a closely related field, at the time of appointment, which begins August 10, 2025.

Preference will be given to applicants with evidence of scholarly achievement and/or demonstrated scholarly potential in African diaspora religions in the Americas. Previous experience and/or demonstrated potential in teaching undergraduate courses in African diaspora religions in the Americas and the broader study of religion in the United States is preferred. Evidence of public-facing aspects to an applicant's research agenda and/or community engagement and collaboration within their research is also preferred. Preference will also be given to candidates able to demonstrate familiarity with (and able to incorporate in teaching) theories and methods in the study of religion.

N/A

3KD700 Religious Studies Dept

William & Mary

09/24/2024

10/24/2024

11/24/2024

No

Faculty

Applicants must apply online at https://jobs.wm.edu. Submit a curriculum vitae, a cover letter, a statement of teaching interests, and a statement of research interests. Candidates are encouraged to reflect on their past experiences or future plans to foster an inclusive and welcoming climate for learners/scholars in any of the aforementioned required documents. You cannot submit a separate diversity statement. You will be prompted to submit online the names and email addresses of three references who will be contacted by the system with instructions for how to submit a letter of reference.For full consideration, submit application materials by the review date, October 24, 2024. Applications received after the review date shall be considered if needed.

William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. William & Mary conducts background checks on applicants being considered for employment.

William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

William & Mary offers our employees a full array of benefits including retirement, health insurance with options for expanded dental and vision along with group and optional life insurance with coverage for spouse and children, flexible spending accounts, and an EAP (Employee Assistance Program).

Our employees enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries, and much more. To learn more, go to: https://www.wm.edu/offices/uhr/benefits/index.php?type=none