Assistant Professor - Theatre History and Criticism

SUMMARY

The School of Theatre and Dance invites applications for a
tenure-track Assistant Professor of Theatre History and Criticism.
The successful candidate will be an engaged member of the
intellectual, creative, and organizational life of the Denard Haden
School of Theatre and Dance. We seek a collaborative colleague who
values working with students and faculty across areas and degree
programs and who will contribute to the continued development of
the School’s academic and artistic mission. In addition, the
successful candidate will be expected to maintain an active
scholarly and/or creative research agenda appropriate to the
discipline and to participate in service to the School, College,
University, and profession.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to
undergraduate teaching, mentorship, and continued development as an
educator. Area of specialization is open. We seek a teacher-scholar
whose expertise complements the strengths of the existing faculty
while expanding the intellectual, cultural, and artistic breadth of
the School’s curriculum.

Areas of research and teaching may encompass a range of historical
periods, geographic and cultural contexts, theatrical traditions,
methodologies, and interdisciplinary approaches to theatre and
performance studies. Candidates whose scholarship and teaching
foster connections among theatre history, dramatic literature,
performance, and contemporary theatrical practice are especially
encouraged to apply.

Teaching responsibilities may include courses in theatre history,
dramatic literature and analysis, introductory theatre courses, and
additional courses related to the candidate’s areas of expertise
and the curricular needs of the Denard Haden School of Theatre and
Dance.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Ph.D. or DFA in Theatre, Theatre Studies, Performance Studies,

or a closely related field by the time of appointment.

• University-level teaching experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to undergraduate teaching, advising,

and mentorship.

• Evidence of, or demonstrated potential for, sustained scholarly

and/or creative research activity appropriate to the
discipline.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Preference will be given to candidates who:
• Demonstrates an effective and clearly articulated approach to

undergraduate teaching and an ongoing commitment to pedagogical
development.

• Demonstrates the ability to teach theatre history, dramatic

literature and analysis, and introductory theatre courses.

• Possesses scholarly and teaching interests that complement

existing faculty expertise while broadening the intellectual,
cultural, and artistic scope of the School’s curriculum.

• Demonstrates the ability to engage students from a range of

theatrical interests and degree programs.

• Demonstrates an interest in collaboration across the academic,

artistic, and production areas of the School.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track faculty position
responsible for contributing significantly to Stephen F. Austin
State University’s undergraduate and/or graduate programs through
teaching, scholarship/creative accomplishment, and service. Works
under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of
initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the chair.

QUALIFICATIONS

Terminal degree in the field in which the individual will be
teaching is required. ABD candidates may be considered if Ph.D. is
earned prior to start date.

The rank of Assistant Professor is held by an individual who
demonstrates the capability to produce research/scholarly/creative
accomplishments, teach effectively, and provide service to the
academic and general communities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs an equivalent of twenty-four teaching load credits

(TLC) for the combined fall and spring semesters; reduction of
teaching load through reassignment of duties is possible under
certain circumstances.

• Engages in research/scholarly/creative and service activities

at levels that are appropriate to faculty rank and departmental
tenure/merit criteria.

• Provides services to the university and the profession.
• Participates in promotion review of lower-ranked faculty

members within the department.

• When tenured, participates in tenure review of candidates for

tenure.

• May conduct supplemental instructional activities such as

independent studies, internships, advising, and thesis/dissertation
supervision.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• May receive course load reassignment when assigned

administrative duties in support of the
department/college/university.

• May receive course load reassignment when assigned to prepare

course material during the first semester/year when included as
part of initial contract.

• May receive course load reassignment when approved to conduct

research/scholarly/creative accomplishment and service which exceed
normal expectations.

• May supervise the work of student and/or graduate

assistants.

• May serve on departmental, college, and university

committees.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
The
individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and
abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual
can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without
reasonable accommodation.

• Extensive knowledge in the field in which the individual will

be teaching.

• Ability to effectively teach undergraduate and/or graduate

students.

• Ability and commitment to conduct research and/or

scholarly/creative accomplishments and service.

• Ability to work within a collaborative faculty

environment.

• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written

form.

• Ability to work effectively and patiently with students.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Safety Statement

Stephen F. Austin State University recognizes the potential for
accidents in performing job-related tasks. SFA promotes a safe
working environment. Employees will be responsible for completing
assigned tasks safely and efficiently. Employee evaluations will
include safe job performance.

This is a security-sensitive position subject to criminal record
check.

This is an IT-sensitive position subject to the Computer and
Network Security policy.