Rhodes College

Director of the Search for Values Humanities Sequence

The College seeks a Director for its core three-course sequence in interdisciplinary humanities, The Search for Values in the Light of Western History and Religion, beginning fall 2011. In this sequence, students study the ideas, beliefs, and major events that have formed western culture. In the first year students examine primary sources from the history and literature of the Israelites, Greeks, Romans, and early Christians, tracing the development of the biblical and classical heritage up to the Renaissance. The third semester moves from the Renaissance into the modern period. In this semester, students can choose from among a number of disciplinary tracks, including literature, religious studies, politics, philosophy, history, or the fine arts. The program currently draws faculty from seven departments, and over fifty percent of first- and second-year students participate. In any given year contributing departments may include Art, Biology, English, Greek and Roman Studies, History, Modern Languages and Literatures, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Religious Studies, and Theatre. For more information on the Search program see http://www.rhodes.edu/academics/9085.asp.

The new Director will serve an initial three-year term with the expectation of renewal, and will be responsible for administering the program, supervising faculty, and facilitating curricular development. The Director also oversees an endowment which is used to augment faculty and student learning. The teaching load is four courses per year divided between the Search program and the department of disciplinary training. This appointment will include tenure in an existing department at the rank of associate professor or higher. Salary and benefits are competitive and include additional travel funds. Faculty development grants are available on a competitive basis.

The successful candidate must provide evidence of leadership, success in interdisciplinary teaching, ongoing scholarship, and collaborative administrative talents. Candidates from backgrounds typically underrepresented in higher education are strongly encouraged to apply. As Rhodes continues to diversify its student body, we also seek candidates with experience working with students from different backgrounds. Dossiers should include a letter of application, a current C.V., three letters of reference, evidence of teaching effectiveness, and a brief example of published research. Apply on line at http://jobs.rhodes.edu. Review of completed applications will begin October 15 and continue until the position is filled.

For additional information on this position, contact Dr. Gail Murray, Dept of History, at murray@rhodes.edu or 901.843.3289.

Founded in 1848, Rhodes College is a highly selective, private, residential, undergraduate college, located in Memphis, Tennessee. We aspire to graduate students with a lifelong passion for learning, a compassion for others, and the ability to translate academic study and personal concern into effective leadership and action in their communities and the world. We encourage applications from candidates interested in helping us achieve this vision. Rhodes is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workforce. Memphis has a metropolitan population of over one million and is the nation's 18th largest metropolitan area. The city provides multiple opportunities for research and for cultural and recreational activities. Read more about Memphis.