Open Rank, Tenure-Track Opening in Asian Buddhism
alexand...@gmail.com
Job Summary:
Furman University welcomes applications for a full-time, tenure track position in Asian Buddhism at the rank of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor. This position will be a joint appointment with the Departments of Religion and Asian Studies, beginning in August 2022.Job Description:
Furman’s Departments of Religion and Asian Studies seek candidates for a position in Asian Buddhism who are committed to excellence in undergraduate teaching in a liberal arts context. Both departments are dedicated to
interdisciplinarity and mentoring students, and we aspire to build strong connections with local and global communities to enhance student understanding of diverse religious lives and practices. Regular teaching responsibilities include courses in Buddhism and Asian religious traditions that critically interpret and understand religious life through texts, symbols, and practices. In addition to introductory and advanced courses in Buddhism (e.g., Introduction to Buddhism, East/South Asian Buddhism), candidates will be expected to teach introductory courses in both departments on a rotating basis (e.g., Religions of the World and/or Introduction to Asian Studies). We welcome candidates with interests in Buddhism as a transnational religion; in gender and race; in material culture; and/or in comparative religions. Opportunities exist for candidates to develop courses in line with their specific areas of interest, including ones that contribute to one or more of Furman’s established interdisciplinary minors (https://www.furman.edu/academics/majors-minors-programs/).
The normal teaching load is five courses per year. Applicants are expected to have completed a Ph.D. in Religious Studies or a closely related cognate field no later than December 31, 2021.
In addition to excellence in teaching, we seek candidates who will develop high-impact engaged learning experiences for our students. In our context, this primarily means undergraduate research opportunities and/or study away programs (see The Furman Advantage for more on this campus-wide priority). Furman has a strong tradition of faculty-led study away programs (both semester and May term), and there are Buddhist communities in the Upstate that offer opportunities for engaged learning experiences and research.
Furman University is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all facets of university life, and strives to create an anti-racist community through excellence in teaching, mentorship, and programming. Numerous initiatives and programs are underway or planned to promote these ideals, including: historic projects, dialogue initiatives, the Center for Inclusive Communities, and a new major in Africana Studies.
The successful candidate will have the ability to work with historically underrepresented students, including students of color, and be committed to assisting the university in its continuing efforts to become a model of inclusive excellence.
Applicants should submit the following documents in the order listed as a single PDF, with the applicant’s last name as the file name:
Cover letter outlining your qualifications
A short statement (2-3 pp.) articulating how your teaching, scholarship, mentoring and/or service might contribute to a liberal arts college community that includes a commitment to diversity as one of its core values
Evidence of Teaching Excellence
Curriculum vitae
Graduate transcripts (official or unofficial)
Writing sample: dissertation chapter or scholarly article
Contact information for three professional references who can speak to your abilities in classroom teaching and scholarship
**Accepting Applications until October 24, 2021**