African American Studies Visiting Scholars Appointments

In pursuit of our broad mandate to advance excellence in academic research, undergraduate and graduate education, and intellectual exchange and service within the University and Houston communities, the African American Studies Program at the University of Houston annually invites for a year-long visiting appointment two scholars whose demonstrated research and teaching are in the discipline of Africana Studies/Africalogy. Scholars whose research and teaching are, however, in other disciplinary areas will also be considered. Visiting Scholars add to the richness and diversity of our undergraduate curriculum in Africalogy by teaching one course of their own design. In addition, the program prioritizes applications from scholars who demonstrate a commitment to generating research and publication in the discipline of Africana Studies/Africalogy. Successful candidates are, therefore, afforded an opportunity to add to the ongoing scholarship in the discipline by working toward the completion of a research project. The Visiting Scholars Program is designed to encourage new scholars to contribute fresh and innovative teaching and research.

General Description and Requirements

In addition to generating Africana Studies research and teaching, the Visiting Scholars Program is designed to attract scholars who may be interested in assuming a tenure-track position at the University of Houston subsequent to their residential visiting appointments. Research projects in Africalogy, or with emphasis on the Africana experience, are thus strongly encouraged. The successful candidate will receive a salary appropriate to rank and will be provided administrative support. Visiting Scholars are required to teach one three-credit hour class in Africana Studies in their first or second semester in residence. Additionally, successful candidates will be required to be in residence at the University of Houston for the entire academic year and are expected to be engaged in scholarly activity on a full-time basis. They must, for example, be available for consultation with students and professional colleagues, make at least two formal presentations based upon their research projects, and contribute generally to the intellectual discourse in the discipline of Africana Studies/Africalogy. The African American Studies Program will provide assistance to Visiting Scholars concerning interest in advancing their projects to publication. Equally important, Visiting Scholars must acknowledge support of the African American Studies Program and the University of Houston in any publications that result from the visiting appointment.

Application to the Visiting Scholars Program

The African American Studies Program at the University of Houston is soliciting applications for the Visiting Scholars Program for the 2011-2012 academic year. Applications are sought from scholars in the academic discipline of Africana Studies/Africalogy, although applications from scholars in the social sciences, humanities, education, or other academic disciplines will be considered. Applicants’ doctoral degrees must be conferred by May 2010.

Applications should include:

1. An updated curriculum vitae.
2. A two-page description of the proposed research project.
3. Three letters of recommendation (mailed from references).
4. A syllabus of the undergraduate course to be taught during the academic year.

Applications should be received by March 28, 2011. Mail (no faxes or email attached file documents are accepted) to:

The University of Houston is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 

For more general information, call the African American Studies Program at (713) 743-2811.