Assistant Professor in the History of Christianity

Description

Perkins School of Theology at SMU invites nominations and applications for a full-time, tenure-eligible appointment to begin August 1, 2024 with the following responsibilities:

1. Full-time teaching and scholarship in the history of Christianity, with particular attention to Methodist/Wesleyan Studies.
   • Teaching courses in the various degree programs of Perkins School of Theology and in the M.A. and Ph.D. curricula of the Graduate Program in Religious Studies of Southern Methodist University.
   • Scholarship, including publications, in the field of appointment.
2. Participation in the life and work of Perkins School of Theology, the Graduate Program in Religious Studies, and other parts of Southern Methodist University, including the structures of governance, exercising the responsibilities normally assumed by faculty members.

Qualifications
Minimum qualifications

1. D. or equivalent degree.
2. Demonstrated achievement or promise as a scholar and teacher in the field of the history of Christianity.
3. Demonstrated achievement or promise as a scholar and teacher in the field of the history of Methodist/Wesleyan traditions in their many varieties, with knowledge of The United Methodist Church, its present situation, structures, and concerns.
4. Commitment to the primary objectives both of Perkins School of Theology to prepare persons for leadership in the church and in various forms of Christian ministry, and of the Graduate Program in Religious Studies to prepare persons for leadership in the academy.
5. Commitment to teaching in all the degree programs of Perkins School of Theology and the Graduate Program in Religious Studies, and in all approved modes of instruction (including in-person, online, and hybrid).
6. Commitment to working in a religiously and theologically diverse and pluralistic community.
7. Lay or clergy membership in The United Methodist Church.

Preferred qualifications:

1. Knowledge of the contemporary contexts and concerns of Methodist/Wesleyan traditions in their many varieties.
2. Knowledge of current theoretical debates in the study of culture and history.
3. Knowledge of inter-religious and intercultural contexts and conflicts.
4. Background, interests, perspectives, and abilities that complement those of other members of the faculty, with an openness to creative pedagogical and academic collaboration across disciplines.

Application Instructions
Applications must include: 1) a cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, and 3) three confidential letters of recommendation.  Submit application materials electronically to Interfolio https://apply.interfolio.com/129497

To ensure full consideration for the position, the application must be received by December 31, 2023, but the committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. The committee will notify applicants of its employment decisions after the position is filled. Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.

About Southern Methodist University
SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study, and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through eight schools. Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty, and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas—the dynamic center of one of the nation’s largest, fastest-growing, and most diverse regions—offers unique learning, research, social, and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for our students, faculty, and alumni to make a global impact.

About Perkins School of Theology
Perkins, the oldest graduate professional school at SMU, is one of the 13 seminaries of The United Methodist Church and one of only five University-related United Methodist theological schools, located in the heart of Dallas, Texas. The faculty and staff of Perkins are committed to our mission of equipping persons for faithful leadership and Christian ministry in a changing church and society. Students study with a faculty, diverse both culturally and in theological perspective, in the School’s graduate degree and certificate studies programs. Perkins is Wesleyan by tradition, United Methodist by affiliation, inclusive of diverse Christian expressions, and welcoming of all. Perkins makes theological education accessible, through in-person, hybrid, and distance learning, to students from the region, the nation, and around the world. Bridwell Library, one of the most distinguished theological research institutions in North America, is home to the World Methodist Museum and has the largest collection of original John Wesley letters outside of England.

Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Southern Methodist University (SMU) will not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, education activity, or admissions on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. SMU’s commitment to equal opportunity includes nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX1 Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies, including the prohibition of sex discrimination under Title IX. The Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu. Inquiries regarding the application of Title IX may also be directed to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education.