The Department of Classical Studies of the University of Pennsylvania invites applications for a tenure-track appointment for a specialist in ancient Greek literature and culture at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin in the 2025-26 academic year.
We seek a colleague who will contribute to our ongoing efforts to reimagine the field of Classical Studies and to make our discipline more inclusive through scholarship, teaching, and public engagement. The successful candidate will have an original and generative set of research projects, will be able to engage in productive dialogue with colleagues within and beyond the department, will be ready to teach ancient Greek at all levels, and will provide Classical Studies courses that appeal to a wide range of students. The teaching load is four courses per year, one of which is typically at the graduate level. The PhD must be completed by July 1, 2025.
We have a strong commitment to responsible and creative research, to a collaborative community, and to an interdisciplinary approach to the ancient world. As a department, we foster intellectual engagement with colleagues within and beyond the discipline of Classical Studies, as well as inside and outside the academy and across departmental boundaries here at Penn. University resources that support our department and our community include but are not limited to: the Penn Museum (https://www.penn.museum), the Center for Ancient Studies (https://www.sas.upenn.edu/ancient/), and the Wolf Humanities Center (https://wolfhumanities.upenn.edu). Our department also has a long tradition of contribution to shared governance in the department, the School of Arts and Sciences, and the University.
The successful candidate must be an excellent teacher with a commitment to pedagogy and attentive mentorship of students in all our programs. The department offers undergraduate majors and minors in three different tracks of Classical Studies as well as Ancient History, all of which provide students with the opportunity to engage deeply with the diverse ancient Greek and Roman worlds and their later receptions. We also provide undergraduate courses that may appeal to non-majors. Our new colleague will work with students in the PhD program in Greek and Latin Languages and Literatures, as well as, potentially, graduate students in cognate programs such as Ancient History, Art and Archaeology of the Mediterranean World, Comparative Literature or other Penn programs. Some of our faculty also teach and advise students in Penn's Postbaccalaureate Program in Classical Studies. More information about all these programs can be found on our website.
We seek applicants who share our strong commitment to research, teaching and mentoring, and to a scholarly community shaped by values of inclusive excellence. The Department (https://www.classics.upenn.edu/about-department) , the School of Arts and Sciences (https://www.sas.upenn.edu/) , and the University of Pennsylvania (https://www.upenn.edu/) are committed to creating a community of students, scholars, and staff that reflects the diversity of the world we live in. We create working and learning environments that are affirming, equitable, and inclusive. As a community, we value dynamic interactions and thoughtful discussions, and strive for an environment where everyone is supported and valued. For information on the School of Arts and Sciences' inclusion and anti-racism initiatives, please see: https://www.sas.upenn.edu/office-diversity-equity-and-inclusion/news/2020-inclusion-and-anti-racism-initiatives
Applicants should use the online portal at http://apply.interfolio.com/153783 and should submit a cover letter, a c.v., a writing sample of no more than 30 pages, the names of three referees who will then be prompted to upload letters of recommendation, and two statements of 1-2 pages each: a teaching statement addressing pedagogical priorities as well as past and potential courses, and a research statement describing current and future intellectual projects. Both statements should include discussion of how the applicant has contributed, or plans to contribute, to equity, inclusion, and belonging and to diversifying the field of Classical Studies.
Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. We will request further materials from short-listed candidates. We expect to conduct first-round interviews over Zoom, followed by a small number of in-person campus visits. Questions about the position and the search may be addressed to our administrator, Sarah Gish-Kraus, gishkrau@sas.upenn.edu, or the chair of the search committee, Prof. Emily Wilson, emilyw@sas.upenn.edu.
The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class. Questions or concerns about this should be directed to the Executive Director of the Office of Affirmative Action (http://www.upenn.edu/affirm-action/) and Equal Opportunity Programs, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Franklin Building, 3451 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6205; or (215) 898-6993 (Voice) or (215) 898-7803 (TDD).
