Teaching Assistant Professor of Political Theory

Position description

As the University's largest and most varied academic unit, the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS) is comprised of artists, learners, performers, scholars, scientists, and teachers across 21+ departments, programs, schools, and centers and acts as a central hub where many of the University's disciplines intersect. Nearly all 6,000 undergraduates at the University take liberal arts courses with us, and about one-third of these students declare a first major in a CAHSS program. Most of our departments, programs and schools offer master's or doctoral programs. CAHSS scholars, artists, instructors, staff, and students collaborate in a shared quest for knowledge about the human condition and the development of skills to improve our local and global communities. The diverse scope of CAHSS allows our students to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed at nearly any career in today's global society. 

The Department of Political Science offers a Bachelor of Arts degree and serves approximately 200 majors, along with many non-majors through the University's Common Curriculum. Our faculty are committed to excellent teaching, close student mentorship, and fostering inclusive classrooms. We value scholarly engagement that enhances the undergraduate experience and that bridges political theory, international relations, comparative politics, and global studies.

Position Summary

The Department of Political Science at the University of Denver invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure-track Teaching Assistant Professor position to begin September 1, 2026. This is a three-year renewable appointment in the Teaching Professor series, with the possibility of promotion to Teaching Associate Professor and Teaching Professor over time. We seek a teacher-scholar with a strong interdisciplinary and international perspective who will contribute to the department's inclusive and intellectually vibrant undergraduate curriculum.

The successful candidate will teach eight in-person undergraduate courses per academic year, spread across fall, winter, and spring quarters. The teaching load will include both introductory and upper-division courses, with the opportunity to contribute to cross-listed or interdisciplinary offerings. Ideal candidates will demonstrate experience teaching courses such as:

• Modern and Contemporary Political Theory
• Theories of International Relations
• Comparative Nationalisms or European Politics
• Politics of Crisis, Democracy, or State Power

We particularly welcome applicants with experience teaching in interdisciplinary or global liberal arts contexts, who can mentor students in research-intensive courses, overseas studies, and senior capstones.

Essential Functions

• Teach eight undergraduate courses per year in line with departmental needs and faculty expertise.
• Design inclusive syllabi and assignments using Universal Design principles and high-impact teaching strategies.
• Hold regular office hours and provide effective academic mentorship to students.
• Participate in department and college service appropriate to a full-time teaching-line appointment.
• Maintain professional development in pedagogy and the field of political science.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. or ABD in Political Science or a closely related field at the time of appointment.
• Demonstrated record of effective undergraduate teaching in political science, and particularly in political theory and international or comparative politics.
• Experience supporting students from diverse backgrounds and with varied learning needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in hand by the time of appointment.
• Experience teaching in liberal arts colleges, interdisciplinary programs, or study abroad settings.
• Familiarity with Canvas or similar course management systems for classroom instruction.
• Evidence of excellence in both large and small classroom settings, from introductory surveys to advanced seminars.
• A record of academic publications or public scholarship that enhances undergraduate learning.

Work Environment

• Standard open office environment
• Noise level is quiet to moderate

Physical Activities

• Ability to use a computer for an extended period
• Occasionally required to move about the office/campus 

Work Schedule

This is a 9-month academic-year appointment. While the University's administrative offices operate Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., faculty schedules vary based on teaching and service responsibilities. All courses will be taught in person on DU's campus in Denver, Colorado.

Application instructions

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