Part-Time Faculty: AAS 206: Intro African American Music (Fall 2026)
Syracuse University’s Department of African American Studies in the College of Arts & Sciences is seeking a part-time Instructor for the fall 2026 semester to teach an introductory-level course on music among people of African descent in American communities. The course will begin on August 17, 2026, and meet in person on the SU Campus Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 pm – 1:50 pm.
About the role
AAS 206: Intro to African American Music (3 credits) introduces students to the broad range of Black musical artistry, including Gospel, Jazz, Soul, Hip Hop/Rap, Blues, Reggae, and musical influences of immigrants from Africa and throughout the diaspora. The course addresses the social and political significance of Black music and the politics and technologies of Black aesthetics.
All course offerings are subject to funding availability and enrollment.
Responsibilities
- Teach one section of AAS 206: Intro to African American Music.
- Develop and/or update a class syllabus.
- Order appropriate books and materials in advance of the class start date.
- Prepare lectures, projects, or other student assignments.
- Maintain regularly scheduled office hours of two hours per week.
- Present instruction based on the competencies and performance levels of the class.
- Meet all designated class periods. If unable to meet due to illness or emergency, exercise best effort to reschedule the class or obtain a substitute, and notify the department chair or designated contact of the absence and coverage plan.
- Work with the academic unit to maintain student learning outcomes.
- Submit completed final grades according to University regulations.
- Grade student assignments and exams in a timely manner.
- Provide departmentally sanctioned forms for completed student evaluations.
- Complete all other course-related duties as outlined by departmental policies for part-time instructors.
Requirements
- Master’s degree required; Doctorate (or ABD) preferred.
- Doctoral training in Black Studies and Humanities preferred.
Pay
The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined based on their per-credit-rate history within the hiring department.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience with more than 200 majors and 100 minors through 13 schools and colleges, nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students, and a global footprint.
About the Syracuse Area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State, approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions, from water skiing and snow skiing to hiking in the Adirondacks, touring historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.