Ethnic Studies Assistant Professor (Emphasis in Chicanx/a/o Studies)

at  Los Rios Community College District

POSITION SUMMARY

The faculty member shall be responsible for the following: teaching assigned classes under the supervision of the area dean; helping students fulfill their maximum potential in mastering course content; assessing student learning outcomes; maintaining a thorough and up-to-date knowledge in their regular teaching field; continuing professional development; utilizing current technology in the performance of job duties; maintaining standards of professional conduct and ethics appropriate to the professional position; assisting with articulation and curriculum development and review; serving on college committees and participating in faculty governance including accreditation and student co-curricular activities; assuming other responsibilities as assigned by the area dean; fulfilling other duties and responsibilities of a full-time faculty member.

The Ethnic Studies Department at American River College is deeply committed to a critical, intersectional, social justice approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of race, gender, sexuality, class, and other identity dimensions in understanding systemic inequities and power dynamics. Rooted in a rigorous academic tradition that amplifies historically marginalized voices, our department seeks to foster a transformative learning environment that challenges prevailing narratives and paves the way for a more equitable society. Our primary goals encompass not only the dissemination of knowledge but also the cultivation of critical thinkers and community leaders. As we bridge the gap between the college and the broader community, we prioritize partnerships with local organizations, service learning, and community engagement, ensuring our students are not just consumers of knowledge, but active agents of change. We seek candidates who resonate with this mission and are passionate about molding the next generation of informed, empathetic, and proactive citizens.

• Maintaining a Critical and Intersectional Pedagogical Approach that examines white supremacy, colonialism, hegemony, power, oppression, and movements towards collective action and solidarity against unjust systems.
• Investigating and celebrating local Histories and Contemporary Issues:
• Study of the local ethnic communities, their histories, challenges, and contributions.
• Engage with local community leaders and organizations for firsthand accounts and community-based learning.
• Utilizing Local & Global Perspectives and knowledge:
• Comparative ethnic studies looking at global diasporas.
• Exploration of colonialism, migration patterns, and global systems of power.
• Social Justice and Activism:
• Examination of historical and contemporary social movements led by ethnic communities.
• Training and resources for students to engage in activism and community organizing.
• Indigenous Studies:
• Deep dive into the histories, cultures, and contemporary challenges of Indigenous communities with specific regard to Native Americans and CA Native Communities.
• Emphasis on land rights, cultural preservation, and self-determination.
• Critical Media Literacy:
• Analysis of representation (or lack thereof) of ethnic groups in media.
• Examination of stereotypes, biases, and the power of storytelling.
• Oral Histories and Storytelling:
• Training students to document and preserve the oral histories of local ethnic communities.
• Highlighting the importance of personal narratives in historical documentation.
• Policy and Institutional Structures:
• Examine how institutional structures and policies have historically affected ethnic communities.
• Discuss current policies and their implications, emphasizing advocacy and policy change.
• Research Opportunities:
• Encourage students to engage in research projects centered on ethnic studies topics.
• Partner with local organizations or initiatives to offer students hands-on research experience.
• Community Engagement and Service Learning:
• Establish partnerships with local ethnic community organizations for service learning opportunities.
• Encourage students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings, benefiting both students and the community.
• Professional Development and Career Paths:
• Workshops and seminars on potential career paths in ethnic studies, including academia, community organizing, public policy, and more.
• Networking events with professionals in the field.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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• Master’s in African American Studies, Black Studies, Africana Studies, Latino Studies, La Raza Studies, Chicana/o Studies, Asian American Studies, Native American Studies, or American Indian Studies OR Master’s in Ethnic Studies OR the equivalent*. All degrees must be from an accredited institution completed by January 16, 2025.

• Have an equity-minded focus, responsiveness, and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, including those with physical or learning disabilities as it relates to differences in learning styles; and successfully foster and support an inclusive educational and employment environment.

The instructional assignment may include, but is not limited to, teaching courses in all levels of Ethnic Studies at the college including:

• Introduction to Ethnic Studies (ETHNS300)
• Introduction to African American Studies (ETHNS320)
• Introduction to Asian American Studies (ETHNS 330)
• Introduction to Chicanx/Latinx Studies (ETHNS 340)
• Introduction to Native American Studies (ETHNS 350)