The Department of Communication Studies invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor with expertise in Critical Media Studies beginning Fall of 2025. Faculty at Southwestern work within a teacher-scholar model and are expected to teach a standard course load of five courses per year (either 2-3 or 3-2) and maintain an active research agenda that leads to peer-reviewed publications in the field as well as participate in university governance, departmental collaboration, and academic advising. We are particularly interested in recruiting a departmental colleague whose approach to teaching media studies emphasizes inclusive, critical pedagogical lenses and applies social justice perspectives.

Ideal candidates will specialize in Latine critical media studies, conspiracy rhetoric, and media and power distribution, and utilize critical and/or qualitative research methods. They must demonstrate an ability to develop and teach elective courses in critical media studies in the area of emerging and/or social media and at the intersections of media studies and rhetoric. Ideally, these courses would complement, but not substantially overlap, our existing expertise in visual/material communication, women’s rights, affect, race, surveillance, and mediated representations of Muslims. We are especially interested in new courses and/or research agendas focused on new, emerging, and/or social media as it may relate to dimensions of anti-colonialism, affect theory, disability, environmental concerns, health, political discourse, publics/counterpublics, race and whiteness, queer theory, and closely allied topics (see our website for more details on our existing electives).

In addition to the electives developed in the candidate’s area of expertise, other teaching responsibilities will include some combination of core courses in the major. Our new colleague will be responsible for rotating with us to teach Critical/Cultural Communication Studies (our introductory communication studies course that explores rhetoric and media studies), Media and Culture, Critical/Cultural Research Methods, and Capstone Research Seminar. All of these core courses emphasize critical and qualitative methodologies in rhetoric and media studies. Candidates should have an appreciation for and commitment to undergraduate teaching in a liberal arts environment, a record of excellence and creativity in the classroom, and a demonstrated dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through teaching and mentorship.

Candidates who have the ability to bridge communication studies with other interdisciplinary programs are encouraged to apply. We especially encourage applications from those able to contribute to the university’s strong interdisciplinary programs in Race and Ethnicity Studies, Latin America and Border Studies, Environmental Studies, Feminist Studies, and a variety of other interdisciplinary minors. In keeping with Southwestern University’s commitment to diversity, the department is especially interested in attracting candidates from underrepresented minority groups, particularly those with demonstrated commitment to enhancing diversity and inclusion.

The ideal candidate will have received a Ph.D. in Communication, or a closely allied and/or interdisciplinary field and have had extensive coursework in Communication Studies. For additional information about the department, please visit our webpage at http://www.southwestern.edu/departments/communication/.

To apply, candidates should submit the following initial materials by 2/25/2025 to Interfolio (http://apply.interfolio.com/163667):

• Letter of application
• C.V.

The Communication Studies Department and Southwestern University are committed to recruiting candidates who both excel in teaching and research/creative work and can best serve our diverse student population. As of the fall 2024 semester, 42% of students enrolled at Southwestern were members of groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education and we are committed to further increasing and supporting the diversity of our students, faculty, and curriculum. The Department seeks candidates who have a demonstrated commitment to, and will take an active role in, enhancing diversity, inclusion, and equity across the University, including fostering a sense of community and belonging for students. In your application materials, please include specific and detailed information about how you have worked to enhance diversity and inclusion through your teaching practices, research, and/or service experiences within the college or university setting.

Southwestern University (Georgetown, Texas) is a selective undergraduate residential liberal arts institution in the greater Austin area. Established in 1840, Southwestern enrolls approximately 1,500 students and maintains a student-faculty ratio of 11 to 1. The university provides a highly interdisciplinary, integrated, and holistic education that values high-impact learning experiences, including study abroad, internships, faculty-student research, and community-engaged learning. Additional information about the university can be found at our website: www.southwestern.edu.

At Southwestern University we are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels respected, valued, and empowered. We believe that a thriving community is built on the strength of varying perspectives and experiences, and we strive to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. Our actions are guided by a commitment to fairness, openness, and the belief that our differences are what make us stronger as a whole.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time appointment begins.

Southwestern University is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at hr@southwestern.edu.

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