Instructor - African American Studies

Posting Summary

Logo Posting Number FAC
00164PO25 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 USC

About University of South Carolina

From the Upstate to the Low country, 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.

Benefits for FTE Positions

The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers state employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Position Description

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

* PhD. is preferred.

Posting Detail Information

Desired Start Date 08/16/2026 Job Open Date 09/08/2025 Job Close Date 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  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…