Assistant Professor of Arabic – University of Connecticut

The Department of Literatures, Cultures, and Languages (LCL) at the University of Connecticut, Storrs campus, invites applications for a tenure-track position for an Assistant Professor of Arabic. We are seeking a scholar of modern Arabic, who will contribute significantly to building and expanding the current Arabic program. Areas of expertise could include modern Arabic literature, media and film studies, cultural production, digital humanities, race, gender, and minority cultures in the MENA region. Preference will be given to candidates with a strong research agenda, who can demonstrate excellence in teaching, and program building – or potential to contribute to such efforts. The candidate is expected to work closely with other units within the LCL department, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and other units across campus.

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

• MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Earned Ph.D. (or international equivalent) in Arabic Studies or related field by time of appointment.
Expertise in Arabic literary and cultural studies.
Outstanding potential for or record of research and scholarship excellence.
Commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion through academic and research programs.
Fluency in at least one Arabic dialect.
Excellent command of written classical and standard Arabic.
Demonstrated ability to teach expertly in Arabic literature.

• PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

A track record of program building, innovation, and community outreach.
Demonstrated ability to teach both modern and classical Arabic literature (in Arabic) in advanced undergraduate classes and graduate seminars.
Demonstrated ability to teach a large range of classes related to Arabic cultural production, media, and film studies.
Demonstrated ability to teach introductory courses on Islam and Islamicate cultures broadly construed. 

• APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track position with an anticipated start date of Fall 2024. The successful candidate’s academic appointment will be at the Storrs campus. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

• TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

• TO APPLY

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/26825 and submit the following application materials:

-A cover letter explaining your interest in the position
-Curriculum vitae
-Research and scholarship statement
-Teaching statement (including teaching philosophy, teaching experience, commitment to effective learning, and past and/or potential contributions to teaching and mentoring)
-Commitment to diversity statement (including broadening participation, integrating multicultural experiences in instruction and research and pedagogical techniques to meet the needs of diverse learning styles, etc.)
-One writing sample in English: journal article or book chapter (An additional writing sample in Arabic is optional)
-Three academic references: the name, title, institutional affiliation, and contact information of three referees who have agreed to write a recommendation letter

Applications should be submitted by January 31, 2024. For inquiries about the position, please contact Professor Andrea Celli, Search Committee Chair at: andrea.celli@uconn.edu.

(via Middle East Studies Association: https://mesana.org/resources-and-opportunities/2024/01/02/assistant-professor-of-arabic-2)