Assistant Professor, African American Studies (with a focus on Black Cultural Studies)

California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) is a minority-serving institution and an equal opportunity employer committed to increasing the diversity of its campus community and fostering an inclusive environment. CSUF serves over 40,000 students and is engaged in a multi-year initiative to improve graduation rates for first-generation, low-socioeconomic, Latinx, African American, and Native American students. Candidates who can contribute to this goal through equity-minded teaching, research, advising, and other activities are encouraged to apply.

About the Role

The Department of African American Studies invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in African American Studies with a focus on Black Cultural Studies, beginning Fall 2027. The successful candidate will develop and teach courses in Black Cultural Studies and creative expression, including introductory and core courses such as Introduction to African American Studies, Intro to Black Creative Expression, Black Lives Matter Creative and Critical Ideas, Hip Hop Culture, and/or Black Representations in Film. Junior faculty typically teach 3 classes per semester, with a reduced teaching load provided for the first two years.

The appointed faculty member will produce scholarship or creative work commensurate with tenure requirements, contribute to the department’s life and development, advise students, serve on committees, and participate in the broader university and disciplinary communities. The position offers an opportunity to join a dynamic, interdisciplinary department committed to active learning, assessment of learning outcomes, and transformative education.

Responsibilities

• Develop and teach introductory and core courses in African American Studies.
• Design and instruct courses in Black Cultural Studies, such as Black creative expression, Hip Hop Culture, and Black representations in film.
• Provide students with applicable skill sets, including navigating higher education, critical thinking, and professionalization.
• Produce scholarly or creative work in alignment with tenure requirements.
• Contribute to the department’s growth through service, advising, and committee participation.
• Engage in the broader university and disciplinary communities.
• Support the department’s commitment to active learning and assessment of learning outcomes.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in African American Studies, Ethnic Studies, Black Cultural Studies, American Studies, English, Film and Digital Media Studies, or a related field. ABDs must show evidence that the degree will be completed by the appointment date (August 2027).
• Demonstrated experience and interest in topics related to a broad historical view of African American cultural theory and social relations.
• A strong record of, or potential to produce, scholarly publications or creative work.
• Ability to balance excellent teaching, scholarship, and service.
• Experience working collaboratively with colleagues and community.
• Demonstrated contributions to diversity through research, teaching, and service.
• Commitment to and excellence in teaching a diverse student population, including first-generation, underserved, and racially minoritized students.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching courses in Black Cultural Studies and demonstrated scholarly expertise in the field.
• Experience teaching, researching, or developing curricula across humanities subdisciplines, such as Music, Film, Dance, Literature, or Digital Media.

About the Department and University

The African American Studies Department is housed within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and collaborates closely with the Departments of Chicana and Chicano Studies and Asian American Studies. CSUF is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, and a recipient of the Seal of Excelencia for Latinx student success. The university is committed to equity, inclusion, and supporting a diverse student body of over 45,000 students.

CSUF faculty are teacher-scholars who integrate research and creative discovery into their teaching, mentoring students in classrooms, labs, studios, and individual projects. The university values innovation, collaboration, and professional growth, offering affinity groups and resources to support faculty success.