Assistant Professor of Asian History (Teaching Track)

Illinois Wesleyan University invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Asian History (Teaching Track). The teaching track focuses on developing innovative curricula as well as contributing to the success of students, the department, and the university. It is a renewable, nine-month appointment built on consecutive six-year contracts. Typically, initial appointments are at the rank of Assistant Professor, with the possibility of promotion to the ranks of Associate Professor and Professor. While not eligible for tenure, appointments on the teaching track are designed to support long-term engagement and professional growth. Teaching track faculty are eligible for sabbatical following the successful renewal of the initial 6-year contract and every seven years thereafter. Additional benefits for the position include the possibility of modest startup funds and two course releases to be taken in the first five years of appointment. 

The start date for this position is August 15, 2024

Founded in 1850, Illinois Wesleyan University is a nationally ranked, small, private undergraduate liberal arts university with highly selective admission criteria and a tradition of teaching excellence emphasizing the integration of the liberal arts and professional education . We are located in Bloomington, IL, a metro area of 170,000 people, which is about a two- or three-hour drive from Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. We are strongly committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students. Illinois Wesleyan University is an EEO Employer. Candidates from marginalized or underrepresented backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will also fulfill the responsibilities listed below, contribute to faculty governance through campus committee service and engage with appropriate professional development. Professional development funding is available, as is mentoring both within and outside of the department.

Required Qualifications:  PhD in history or a related field by the start date. Any of the following research/teaching areas will be considered: East, South, or Southeast Asia, Pacific world, colonialism and empire, modern Asia. We will also consider applicants whose research and teaching interests cover combinations of these areas, and might also include international relations that involve the United States and/or other Imperial powers. Experience teaching undergraduate courses is preferred. 

Responsibilities:  The primary responsibility will be to teach 8 undergraduate courses (with some regular duplication in course preps in any given semester). Courses will include introductions to China and Japan, lower- and upper-level courses related to graduate training/interests, and rotation into our first-year writing seminar, Gateway Colloquium. The successful candidate’s courses will contribute not only to the History major, but to our university’s shared curriculum, International and Global Studies, Asian Studies, Japanese Studies, and, depending on training, Political Science and relevant programs in the Humanities. Successful candidates will also be full participating members of the History Department, advising our students, participating in departmental and university service, and maintaining currency in relevant historiography and pedagogy.

Appointment, Rank, and Salary:  Nine-month appointment; salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

An overview of IWU’s benefits can be found here: https://www.iwu.edu/human-resources/current-employees.html .

To Apply: Please submit the following: 

• A cover letter addressing qualifications;
• A curriculum vitae;
• A teaching philosophy statement, including a list of possible courses; 
• A statement addressing your commitment to inclusive teaching; and
• Contact information for three professional references.

Review of applications will begin on October 20, 2023; however, applications will be accepted until the position has been filled. 

Applications can addressed to Professor April Schultz, Chair of History, and emailed to our Administrative Assistant, Amy Aldeman, at aaldeman@iwu.edu.