Position Overview
The Department of African & African-American Studies at the University of Kansas invites qualified scholars and professionals to submit online applications for part-time and/or full-time, lecturer positions for language courses (Amharic, Arabic, Haitian, Kiswahili, and Yoruba) and non-language courses (Black Popular Music, Legal Issues and the African American, African History and African American History). Positions vary and are dependent upon the need for instructors for courses being offered each semester during the academic year and during the two intensive summer sessions in June and July. These are non-tenure-track positions with the primary role as instructional.

Successful candidates will join a thriving Department of African and African-American Studies (AAAS) with 13 full-time faculty members and a full-time Language Coordinator. AAAS, in partnership with the Kansas African Studies Center (KASC), hosts an annual Summer African Language Institute with several language offerings at the elementary and intermediate levels. KASC is one of ten federally-funded Title VI National Resource Centers for African Studies with over 30 core faculty members and an additional 70 affiliated faculty and staff across the Lawrence campus.

KU's excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other's success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.

Application materials will be reviewed by the Department for consideration of the development of online or hybrid courses as consistent with departmental instructional needs. Successful candidates must have appropriate authorization to work in the U.S. before employment begins.

The University of Kansas is a Carnegie doctoral/research-extensive university with a $1.4 billion endowment and a faculty of 2,600. Current enrollment is 28,500 (19,000 undergraduate), with students drawn from 110 nations and all 50 states, 20.6% of KU students are members of minority groups. The 1,000-acre main campus is in Lawrence, a community of 95,000 in hilly northeast Kansas that lies about 35 miles west of Kansas City. Lawrence also offers numerous sports and recreational opportunities, local shops, and a wide range of good restaurants.
Job Description
100% - Lecturer:

• For language instruction: teach one to four 3-hour or 5-hour language course(s) as assigned by the Chair of the Department.
• For non-language instruction: teach one to four 3-hour course(s) as assigned by the Chair of the Department.
• Prepare for and attend all class meetings. In case of absence, the lecturer must make arrangements in consultation with the Chair of the Department for a substitute to teach the class so that classes are not cancelled.
• Provide instruction throughout the semester. Develop assignments, administer exams, evaluate student work, provide feedback to students, and assign grades.
• Hold regular office hours on a weekly basis.
• Lecturers may assume limited advising duties and attend in-service professional development meetings designed to improve teaching, as determined by the Chair of the Department.
• Adhere to Departmental, College, and University policies.
• Promote and enhance the visibility of African and Diasporic languages on the KU campus.

100% - Online Lecturer:

• Teach a specified number of either online undergraduate or graduate courses per semester.
• Prepare for and attend all online class meetings. Provide timely feedback and instructor/student interaction in synchronous or asynchronous online course format with occasions for online office hours and/or Q&A sessions. Regular weekly interaction is expected in online courses.
• Provide instruction for course(s). If class meetings are asynchronous, instructional expectations match those of the face-to-face experience.
• Administer assignments, tests, evaluate student work, provide timely feedback to students, and assign grades.
• Be available for students involved in classes taught. "Office hours" may include a set time where students can contact the instructor but must also include expectations for timely responses to student inquiries outside of a set contact time.
• Adhere to departmental, college and university policies.

Required Qualifications
Evaluation of the following requirements will be made through (1) descriptions of work experience and educational experiences in letter of application, (2) record of accomplishments and productivity addressed in C.V., and (3) information provided from professional references.

For undergraduate courses:

1. A Master's degree in the respective language(s)/related field OR Bachelor's degree in a related field and a minimum of (5) five years of relevant experience OR Bachelor's degree in any field and a minimum of (10) years of related experience.
2. A demonstrated record of research, scholarship, or achievement appropriate for the undergraduate program.
3. For language instruction: demonstrated near native or native language ability and knowledge of the culture where the respective language is spoken.
4. For non-language instruction: demonstration of knowledge of the African or African-American Studies course of interest; evidence of ability to teach the culture-specific course OR Master's degree in relevant area.

For graduate courses:

1. A Ph.D. in the respective language(s) OR Masters degree and a minimum of 7 years of applied, relevant experience.
2. A demonstrated record of research, scholarship, or achievement appropriate for the graduate program.
3. For language instruction: demonstrated near native or native language ability and knowledge of the culture where the respective language is spoken.
4. For non-language instruction: demonstration of knowledge of the African or African-American Studies course of interest; evidence of ability to teach the culture-specific course OR Master's degree in relevant area.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have the foundational knowledge and skill set required to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is based on accreditation requirements, institutional standards of academic and professional excellence, alignment with peer institution benchmarks, and contributes to the credibility and effectiveness of the role within the university community.
Preferred Qualifications

1. For language and non-language instruction: evidence of prior success in teaching at the post-secondary level (e.g., course evaluations or supervisor ratings).
2. For language and non-language instruction: prior experience with online instructional technologies.

Contact Information to Applicants
Meghan Allen
Department of African and African-American Studies,
University of Kansas
afs@ku.edu
785-864-3054

Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete application will include a letter of application, a vitae detailing specific subject areas the applicant is qualified to teach and/or develop, and the names and contact information for three professional references.

Deadline/Review Date: Review is ongoing as needs arise.

Estimated Start Date: Ongoing

Advertised Salary Range
Commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Application Review Begins
23-Jun-2025
Anticipated Start Date
18-Aug-2025
Primary Campus
University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
FTE
Varies
Reg/Temp
Regular
Employee Class
F-Faculty
Disclaimer
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.