What are the responsibilities and job description for the Visiting Assistant Professor of Latin American Studies position at Davidson College?
Visiting Assistant Professor of Latin American History
The Latin American Studies Department at Davidson College seeks to fill a two-year visiting position in modern Latin American history. Areas of desired expertise include, but are not limited to, the history of social movements, migration, popular culture, indigeneity, race and ethnicity, and religion. The department values transdisciplinary approaches to understanding historical and social processes in the region, which includes diasporic and migrant communities throughout the Americas. We also value public and oral history, as well as ethnohistorical approaches, and the position affords the opportunity to interface with community groups in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region of North Carolina. The committee prioritizes candidates whose teaching and research indicates experience, and the potential for success, in engaging students from groups historically excluded from access to higher education.
The teaching load is five courses a year. The successful candidate will be able to teach a survey on post-independence Latin America, as well as topic-specific courses focused on undergraduates who might be new to Latin American Studies, and advanced courses drawn from the candidate's research expertise. At least once in the two-year cycle, the candidate will offer a first-year writing course (WRI 101) with an instructor-selected topic (with pedagogical support from the Writing Program). The Department aims to offer visiting faculty members course assignments that support growth in teaching and research that will further their academic careers, and the college offers mentoring and professional development opportunities for Visiting faculty to support them in their job search.
Candidates for this position should expect their PhD in Latin American history by summer 2025, possess a strong research agenda and a demonstrated record of or potential for excellence in undergraduate teaching. We minimize advising and mentorship responsibilities for visiting faculty, including participation in college committees and departmental tasks, but we welcome candidates with interest in independent student research if desired. We value candidates who want to strengthen an active department with a vision of Latin American Studies that celebrates interdisciplinary teaching and scholarship with a transnational focus.
To apply, please go to https://employment.davidson.edu and upload your CV and a Cover Letter (3-4 single-spaced pages max.) that includes 1) a description of your research agenda and how your scholarship translates into teaching in a liberal arts context committed to engaging with students from groups that have been historically limited in their access to higher education,2) a discussion of your understanding of inclusive pedagogy in working with an increasingly diverse student body and campus community, and 3) how you would approach teaching a survey of post-Independence Latin American history.
Applications received by March 15, are guaranteed full consideration by the search committee; however, the position will remain open until filled. Initially selected applicants will be asked to send letters of recommendation by April 1.
Davidson is strongly committed to achieving excellence and cultural diversity, and welcomes applications from women, members of minority groups, and others who would bring additional dimensions to the college's mission.
