Social Theory and Digital Studies of Religion - Assistant Professor - Tenure/Tenure Track - 520675
Company: University of Alabama
Location: Tuscaloosa
Posted on: April 25, 2024
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Job Description:
Social Theory and Digital Studies of Religion - Assistant Professor
- Tenure/Tenure Track - 520675
Alabama, United States
Arts and Sciences
Tenure/Tenure-Track Faculty
Regular Full-time (Benefits eligible)
Closing at: Aug 1 2024 at 22:55 CDT
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Department/Organization
204261 - Religious Studies
Rank
Assistant Professor
Position Summary
The Department of Religious Studies at the University of Alabama,
Tuscaloosa, invites applications for a tenure-track position at the
rank of assistant professor in the area of Social Theory and
Digital Studies of Religion, beginning August 2024.
Detailed Position Information
The area of specialization (historic period, region, or group
studied) is open; however, the successful candidate must complement
and enhance the current specialties of the Department by using
social theory to understand religion as an element of culture. The
specific research area is thus part of the scholar's attempt to
answer broader, cross-cultural questions related to identity,
power, and discourse. This position will supplement and expand the
Department's existing B.A. and M.A. curriculum in digital
humanities and digital studies of religion. This position will also
be affiliated with the REL Digital Lab (RELdl), a collaborative
space for the development of digital projects within the
Department.
While a variety of digital specialties are potentially relevant,
the Department is especially looking for a scholar with
demonstrated expertise in digital humanities research methods
(e.g., computational text analysis, data visualization, network
analysis, GIS, etc.), digital public humanities (e.g., digital
collections, digital curation, podcasting, etc.), or research
methods for the study of religion in digital technology, media, and
culture. Along with such digital expertise, the Department also
seeks a scholar with an active research trajectory that will
enhance the research portfolio of the RELdl.
The successful candidate will contribute to the department's
curriculum in digital studies of religion by teaching existing
undergraduate and graduate courses and proposing new courses within
their expertise that expand the digital methods, skills,
approaches, and technologies taught in the Department. At times,
the successful candidate may also teach courses ranging from
introductory/lower- and upper-level B.A. courses to graduate
seminars on a variety of analytic topics related to their
historical and/or ethnographic area(s) of specialization. All
faculty are also expected to supervise M.A. students in the
Religion in Culture program when student interests intersect with
faculty expertise.
Minimum Qualifications
ABD is the minimum degree for qualification. The committee welcomes
applications from candidates with training in the academic study of
religion as carried out in a public university, but will also
entertain training in related fields (media studies, American
studies, sociology, literature, history, anthropology, etc.), as
long as expertise in studying and teaching social theory and
digital methods in the study of religion are evident. Applicants
should demonstrate an active and ongoing research agenda, mention
current and future digital research projects, highlight their
teaching experience, and make readily apparent their ability to
contribute to the life of an academic department in the areas of
service and collaboration, especially as related to the RELdl.
Preferred Qualifications
At the time of hire, a Ph.D. is preferred.
Instructions and Required Materials for Application
Review of applications will begin on October 15, 2023. Applicants
are required to apply online, submitting a cover letter, C.V. (with
links to examples of digital research, if available), writing
sample, and contact information for three references. Selected
applicants will subsequently be asked to provide letters of
recommendation, and the committee will then hold online meetings
with a small number of candidates before identifying finalists to
be brought to campus for interviews. For information, please
contact Professor Michael J. Altman Chair, Social Theory and the
Digital Study of Religion Search Department of Religious Studies
212 Presidents Hall P.O. Box 870264 University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0264
About the Division/College/School
The College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Alabama
offers an exciting and dynamic environment for faculty seeking to
make an impact in their field and in the lives of the innovators
and changemakers of tomorrow.
As the largest college at The University, we house over 8000
students and 1000 faculty and staff across our 25 departments.
With nationally recognized programs and award-winning faculty, our
College has positioned itself as a leader in higher education. Our
facilities and resources include state-of-the-art laboratories,
research centers, and performance venues, providing students with
hands-on learning experiences and opportunities for research and
creative expression.
The College is committed to the liberal arts philosophy that
fosters creative and critical thinking and a lifetime of
learning.
About the University
The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama
System, is the state's flagship university. UA shapes a better
world through its teaching, research and service. With a global
reputation for excellence, UA provides an inclusive,
forward-thinking environment and nearly 200 degree programs on a
beautiful, student-centered campus.
A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative
inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. The
University of Alabama has R1: Doctoral Universities - Very High
Research Activity status by the Carnegie Classification of
Institutions of Higher Education and is among the top doctoral
research universities in the United States.
As the state's largest higher education institution, UA drives
economic growth in Alabama and beyond.
About Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa is so much more than a college town.
It's a vibrant community that's filled with legendary history.
Located along the Black Warrior River, the city features a walkable
downtown that's complete with live music, locally owned shops,
outdoor spaces to explore and local restaurants to meet every
palate. With a geography ranging from suburban to rural, the area
offers a variety of housing options along with excellent public and
private schools and a wealth of recreational and entertainment
options.
With a metro area population of 235,000, the Druid City lies about
an hour southwest of Birmingham, in west-central Alabama. It's
within a few hours' drive of Gulf Coast beaches and major cities
like Nashville, New Orleans and Atlanta, making it a great base for
growing better acquainted with the South's finest offerings.
Background Investigation and EEO Statement
Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a
pre-employment background investigation and information obtained
from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction
reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT
automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this
position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative
behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the
prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring
decision is made.
The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational
Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive
consideration for employment without regard to race, color,
religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender
identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability
or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against
because of their protected status. Applicants to and employees of
this institution are protected under Federal law from
discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out
more. "EEO is the Law"
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf
Keywords: University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa , Social Theory and Digital Studies of Religion - Assistant Professor - Tenure/Tenure Track - 520675, Education / Teaching , Tuscaloosa, Alabama
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