Teaching Assistant Introduction to Black Church Studies

Teaching Assistant for Introduction to Black Church Studies (TH 2413)

Position: Teaching Assistant for Introduction to Black Church Studies (TH 2413)
Semester: Fall 2026
Format: Fully Asynchronous Online Course
Instructor: Rev. Dr. Perzavia T. Praylow
Stipend: 1500.00 (Average 7 hrs per week – Fall Semester 2026)

The Introduction to Black Church Studies course seeks applicants for a Teaching Assistant (TA) for Fall 2026. The TA will work alongside the Professor of Record to support the teaching and administration of this fully asynchronous course and to help cultivate a healthy, engaging, and responsive online learning environment.

The TA will become familiar with the course readings, recorded lectures, weekly learning modules, and assignments. The TA will assist with monitoring student participation and engagement, supporting discussion forums, providing routine course communication and Canvas support, and assisting with the overall organization of the course. The TA will also meet regularly with the Professor of Record for brief course planning and consultation.

TH 2413:
Introduction to Black Church Studies introduces students to the historical, theological, spiritual, ethical, and practical dimensions of Black Church Studies as an interdisciplinary field. The course examines Black religious history, Black and womanist theological traditions, worship and spirituality, ethics, public witness, and contemporary ministry.

Students engage Black Church traditions as important sources for understanding Christianity in America, theological formation, race, public life, and ecclesial leadership. Because the course is fully asynchronous, students participate through weekly learning modules that include recorded lectures, readings, discussion forums, media engagement, theological reflection, and ministry integration exercises.

The Teaching Assistant will:

• Engage course readings, recorded lectures, weekly modules, and other course materials.
• Monitor student participation and engagement in weekly Canvas modules and discussion forums.
• Help foster thoughtful, respectful, and substantive engagement in online course discussions.
• Assist with routine course communications, student reminders, and questions related to course expectations and Canvas navigation.
• Assist the Professor of Record in identifying and following up on students who may be falling behind in course participation.
• Assist with routine Canvas course administration and the organization of course materials and assignments.
• Meet with the Professor of Record for a brief weekly planning meeting to discuss student engagement, upcoming modules, assignments, and other course needs.

There is no requirement to grade assignments for this course; however, the TA will occasionally provide feedback on selected discussion posts, reflections, or other course activities as directed by the Professor of Record.

• Is a DMin student.
• Has completed coursework or has demonstrated knowledge in Black Church Studies, Black religious history, Black theology, womanist theology, or a related field.
• Is a critical thinker who practices open, inclusive, and affirming intercultural engagement.
• Demonstrates strong written communication, organizational, and time-management skills and is comfortable working in an asynchronous online learning environment.
• Seeks to strengthen their own teaching and leadership skills while contributing meaningfully to the theological formation and learning of students.

Eligible persons from all backgrounds are invited to apply. Inquiries should be directed to Rev. Dr. Perzavia T. Praylow at ppraylow .