Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
As the largest unit on campus, the College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the Carolina experience. The College consists of 43 academic departments and curricula and numerous programs, centers and institutes. It is home to more than 18,000 undergraduate students, including all of the University’s first-year and second-year students. About 2,300 graduate students study and teach in the College.
Endorsed by the Board of Trustees on January 30, 2020, Carolina Next: Innovations for the Public Good, the strategic plan for the University includes Initiative 5, ‘Promote Democracy.’ Objective 5.2 is to ‘work constructively across differences in society, starting by promoting respect and listening.’ Here several strategic opportunities are listed to support the goal of ‘build[ing] the capacity to engage constructively across differences with evidence, intellectual humility, and respect’ – including to ‘develop the Communication Beyond Carolina capacity requirements in the IDEAs in Action General education Curriculum’ and ‘conceptualize and develop the UNC Program for Public Discourse, emphasizing respectful dialogue in classes and public events.’ Objective 5.3 calls for exploration of the relationship between ’humanity’s highest purposes’ and democratic life.
In 2019, UNC-CH formed the Program for Public Discourse (PPD), recognizing that the complex nature of the pressing issues of our day require reasoned debate rooted in a strong foundation of basic knowledge and a spirit of open intellectual inquiry. In 2023, to fulfill the ‘democratic competencies’ goals of Carolina Next (5.2-3) and in light of increased pressures and challenges facing our democracy, the Board of Trustees identified the need for degree-oriented programs in the area of Civic Life and Leadership and resolved that the campus accelerate development of a School of Civic Life and Leadership. Subsequently an ad hoc faculty committee refined plans for an interdisciplinary, degree-granting unit within the College of Arts and Sciences. In September 2023, SCiLL was established by the Provost and an act of the North Carolina General Assembly. In October 2023, the inaugural faculty, representing Communication, English and Comparative Literature, History, Music, Philosophy, Physics and Astronomy, Political Science, and Psychology and Neuroscience Departments within the College, was appointed, and an interim Director and Dean named.
Position Summary
This tenure track faculty position will focus on teaching, research and service to the department and campus community. We will consider applicants from any area of study as long as it aligns to the mission of the program. The successful applicant will also participate in workshops with faculty focused on how to foster productive dialogue across difference in the classroom, and work across disciplines to help SCiLL build bridges with multiple departments in the College.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in a related field by July 1, 2024.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Previous undergraduate teaching experience.
