Position: Religion and Social Justice
Rank: Tenure Track Assistant Professor
Area of Expertise: Discipline or area of specialization is open, i.e., ethics, theology, history, practical theology, liberationist thought, critical theory, and/or postcolonial studies. Preference will be given to those with expertise in African American studies, womanist thought, and/or black feminism. Facility with the languages, sources, and context appropriate to the area of expertise is expected.
Desired Strengths: The ideal candidate will possess in-depth expertise in some aspect and/or area of African American studies but also be able to relate their scholarship to broader issues in the study of religion, as well as areas of concern that are central to the school, such as bringing the study of social justice theories and methodologies to bear on contemporary issues, interreligious dialogue, and the diversity of global Christianity. We seek a candidate who will enable our students to think critically about social issues and encourage M.Div. students to incorporate praxis into their ministries. Although the position is open to those from any (or no) faith tradition, candidates from historical Methodist traditions are especially encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities: The successful candidate will have responsibility for introductory courses and upper division master’s elective courses covering religion and social justice and is expected to enrich the range and depth of course offerings in the Ph.D. program, which is jointly administered with the University of Denver. We envision the holder of this position to be an active contributor to the doctoral program and to be publicly engaged with their respective community. Specifically, the successful candidate will:
• Teach on a full-time basis over three quarters per academic year (normally five courses on the quarter system) in Iliff’s various master’s programs as well as in the University of Denver/Iliff Joint Ph.D. program
• Read and direct M.A. theses and Ph.D. program dissertations
• Teach in Iliff’s online programs
• Advise Ph.D. students concerning the academic and professional aspects of their work
• Conduct a research and publication projects appropriate to the field
• Participate in appropriate professional societies and meetings
• Participate in school governance and administration through various committees and councils
• Provide service to appropriate professional organizations and publishing houses
• Work with churches (local or judicatory) and/or community boards and agencies
• Teach laity or clergy outside the Iliff curriculum
The Iliff School of Theology is a United Methodist-related graduate theological school with an ecumenical and interfaith spirit offering the following degrees: Master of Divinity, Master of Arts, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Arts in Social Change; Master of Arts in Pastoral and Spiritual Care. In addition we offer a Ph.D. in the Study of Religion with the University of Denver. Iliff is an equal opportunity employer and strives to include diversity in its faculty and teaching, including racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, and cultural diversity, and is committed to becoming a more globally conscious and globally connected community. For more information, visit us at www.iliff.edu.
The ideal candidate will possess a Ph.D. or equivalent degree by the time of appointment to the position. Applications should include an application letter, curriculum vitae, and a sample syllabus of a course you either taught or plan to teach dealing with religion and social justice. For fullest consideration, candidates should submit all materials no later than October 29, 2014. Please send materials electronically to the search committee chair, Dr. Miguel A. De La Torre, at socialjusticesearch [at] iliff [dot] edu. In addition, please have three reference letters submitted electronically to the same email address (please have persons writing reference letters write the candidate’s name in the subject line).