26-43 Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of British Literature - Early Modern through 18th Century na West Chester University, PA

About the Department

Join a vibrant equity-minded campus whose excellence is reflected in its community, cultural engagement, and student success. The Department of English invites applicants for a Full-time, Tenure-Track, Assistant Professor of British Literature, early modern (must include Shakespeare) through 18^th century position.  The position begins in August 2026.

West Chester University (WCU), a regional flag of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. The University offers more than 100 graduate and undergraduate programs in the sciences and mathematics, business and public management, arts and humanities, health sciences, education and social work, music, and interdisciplinary studies. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.

The Department of English, part of the College of Arts and Humanities, empowers students as readers, writers, and thinkers to grasp the nuances of texts (literary, rhetorical, visual, etc.) and to use language to participate effectively in academic, aesthetic, and professional contexts. Our programs prepare students for productive lives as critical thinkers, informed citizens, and ethical leaders. Our teaching and research emphasize the ideal of a socially conscious education that values critical literacy and communication as resources for democracy. We pursue these goals via teaching that reflects innovative scholarship, uses current technologies to facilitate learning, and responds to the cultural diversity of our student body. The department comprises over 50 full-time faculty members and serves hundreds of undergraduate majors and minors and master’s degree students, as well as thousands more in our First-Year Writing program. Learn more about the English Department.

The faculty position involves teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses in early modern through 18th-century British literature, including teaching Shakespeare, as well as courses in general education literature and writing.  The teaching load is 4/4, and all faculty in the department teach First Year Writing and/or other general education courses during most semesters. Courses may be offered in-person, online, and/or via distance education modalities, depending on department need. The ideal candidate will use innovative teaching skills and demonstrate strong attention to the learning needs of our students. The candidate’s expertise and experience will strengthen the department's impact on students, and the faculty member will also collaborate with colleagues and staff to ensure student success.

Responsibilities include:

• Teach undergraduate and/or graduate-level courses in early modern through 18th-century British literature, including but not limited to Shakespeare, studies in British Drama, British Novel, and topics in British Literature & Culture. Secondary teachings include courses in First Year Writing (general education composition), including but not limited to Effective Writing and Research Writing.  At least 50% of the faculty member’s 4/4 teaching load will comprise courses in general education writing.
• Engage in scholarly activities—including research, presentations, publications, and/or grants—in the field(s) of specialization.  This is a requirement for tenure and promotion.
• Provide academic advising, including mentoring student researchers
• Serve the department, college, and university through participation on committees and various forms of service work
• Perform other duties as assigned

Position Duties

• Ph. D in English Literature, Comparative Literature, or a closely related field/discipline. ABD may be considered – must be completed on or before appointment
• Demonstrated teaching expertise in Shakespeare Studies and an active research program in Shakespeare Studies or early modern British literature
• Ability to teach in at least one corollary period of British studies, including medieval literature, 18th-century literature, British Romanticism, and/or Victorian Studies
• Demonstrated ability to teach courses in First Year Writing/English Composition
• Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following subspecialties: Early Modern Studies in Race and Imperialism, Black Studies, Environmental Humanities, Gender & Sexuality Studies, and/or Global/Comparative Literature

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience teaching First Year Writing/English Composition

Other Qualifications

West Chester University of Pennsylvania offers highly competitive salaries and excellent benefits.

Apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/wcupa. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled.

Applicants must successfully complete the application and interview process. This will include a research/scholarly presentation and teaching demonstration.

Required Documents for Consideration

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of teaching philosophy
• Statement of research presentation
• Unofficial transcripts (official transcripts will be required later for employment.)
• List of three references with contact information (Name, email, and telephone number). Letters of recommendation will be solicited electronically.
• Service Statement (see below):

West Chester University is a community of educators that develops graduates to succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.

WCU GRADUATES WILL:

• Apply scientific reasoning and demonstrate quantitative and qualitative literacy
• Collaborate with others to solve problems and address societal needs
• Communicate effectively and participate in civic discourse
• Engage inclusively in a diverse society
• Understand the ethical implications of decisions and the world in which they live

INSTITUTIONAL GOALS:

To fulfill its mission as a public institution serving the Commonwealth, West Chester University will focus on student success and institutional improvement as measured by the degree to which WCU demonstrates:

• Access to learning
• Community and cultural engagement
• Continuous improvement
• Critical thinking
• Inclusion
• Scholarly and creative activities
• Sustainability

Given this, please select from one of the prompts below to create a service statement (no more than 1 page).

Engagement with the Campus Community

• Describe your efforts to create an inclusive and supportive campus environment for all students, faculty, and staff. How have you contributed to fostering a sense of belonging in your department or institution?

Mentorship and Student Support

• How have you worked to support and mentor students with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives? Share specific examples of how you have helped students navigate challenges in their academic or professional journeys.

Outreach and Community Involvement

• Discuss your experiences working with community organizations, schools, or educational programs that aim to expand access to higher education. How have you helped ensure broader participation in your field?

Pedagogical and Curricular Contributions

• How have you contributed to developing curricula, programs, or initiatives that are accessible and relevant to a broad range of students? Provide examples of how you have designed or implemented courses that engage with multiple perspectives.

Professional Development and Collaboration

• Reflect on your participation in initiatives, committees, or professional development activities that aim to create a welcoming academic environment. How have you collaborated with colleagues to enhance student success and engagement?

Research and Scholarship Impact

• In what ways has your research or scholarly work contributed to increasing opportunities, perspectives, and voices in your field? Describe any projects or initiatives aimed at broadening participation, access or engagement.

All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all preemployment criminal background checks.

Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances West Chester University’s educational mission.   West Chester University is an Affirmative Action – Equal Opportunity Employer.