Assistant Professor

James Madison College at Michigan State University invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy (PTCD). James Madison College engages undergraduates in a liberal arts education in public affairs in a residential college setting within a broader research-intensive university. The Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy major is an interdisciplinary field of public affairs. It focuses on liberal constitutional democracy (its origins, practice, critics, and defenders) from the perspective of political philosophy.

We seek a teacher-scholar broadly trained in the history of political theory that supports curriculum in Black political thought (American and comparative), as well as radical perspectives on modern constitutional democracy. Areas of research and teaching focus include African-American politics, comparative Black political thought, and radical political theory. In addition to these requirements, preferred areas of interest include: colonialism studies, Native-American studies, Indigenous studies, American constitutional politics, or modern political theory. Preference will be given to candidates who can teach elective courses cross-listed between PTCD and Social Relations and Policy majors.

Successful candidates will have demonstrated ability to teach core courses in the history of political thought combining serious study of canonical texts as well as authors/voices from outside the canon, with a view to the present and future of constitutional democracy. Applicants should also be able to contribute to the broader interdisciplinary curriculum of the major and the college, including the first-year sequence. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain an active scholarly agenda in their respective field(s). The College is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their teaching, research and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.