University College at the University of Oklahoma invites applications for renewable term faculty for the general education course “Global Perspectives.” This course is part of a suite of courses that meet the General Education Core V requirement: First Year Experience. A first-year experience course is required for all incoming first-year and transfer students. These uniform courses are taught by a team of instructors and will help students gain a better understanding around five key areas:

• Cultural Fluency: Students will gain an understanding of diverse perspectives from people of different abilities, identities, cultures, and social backgrounds.

• Critical Thinking: Students will explore how they have formed their opinions and beliefs about themselves and others and determine the difference between beliefs, values, opinions, and facts.

• Civil Discourse: Students will master practical skills to interact with others of different beliefs and backgrounds and learn that they can disagree with humility and integrity and a willingness to learn from one another.

• Citizenship: Students will study the important historical dynamics and legacies in the U.S. and abroad, and the ways in which they shape our experience of belonging and community and inform how we engage as global citizens.

• Community Engagement: Students will discover ways to create a shared vision and values for an inclusive society with opportunities for all, as well as to practice engagement on campus and in the wider community.

Specifically, the Global Perspectives course promotes an intercultural awareness that will allow students to interact more effectively with others. It will teach core cultural fluency competencies, including an understanding of different cultural norms and practices, crosscultural communication, as well as critical thinking and problem-solving, drawing upon diverse experiences and perspectives. The knowledge, skills, and tools students acquire in this course will assist them throughout their lives and chosen careers as they move in an increasingly connected world.

Successful candidates will be appointed as renewable term faculty. The term of the initial appointment is three years, and faculty who meet the appropriate qualification requirements are eligible to be considered for renewal of their appointment. The regular teaching load is 4/4. We seek candidates who contribute to fostering an inclusive excellence in all aspects of their engagement with the campus and community. Successful candidates will have a commitment to excellence in teaching and successful engagement and support and/or teaching.

The University of Oklahoma is a Carnegie-R1 comprehensive public research university known for excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement, serving the educational, cultural, economic, and healthcare needs of the state, region, and nation from three campuses: the main campus in Norman, the Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City, and the Schusterman Center in Tulsa. OU enrolls over 30,000 students and has more than 2,700 fulltime faculty members in 21 colleges.

This fall, approximately 25% of OU’s first year undergraduates are first-generation students and 39% of students belong to an underrepresented race/ethnic group. Norman is a culturally rich and vibrant town located in the Oklahoma City metro area. With outstanding schools, amenities, and a low cost of living, Norman is a perennial contender on the “Best Places to Live” rankings.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree; Doctorate or other relevant terminal degree preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to best practices in cultural competency

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated effectiveness in building community with diverse student populations
• Demonstrated effectiveness cultivating enriching discussions and spurring critical thinking among students
• Demonstrated effectiveness engaging students in learning experiences that take place outside of the classroom, for example, service learning and immersive experiences

Applicants should submit:

1) a cover letter briefly describing your interest in the position,

2) current CV, and

3) names and contact information for three references.

Candidates can submit supplemental documents including past syllabi of courses taught or a summary of past teaching positions and courses taught.

Candidates should have their master’s degree at time of appointment.

All application materials should be submitted to Kendall Jenkins at [email protected]. Inquiries about the position can be addressed to Dr. Rebecca Cruise at [email protected], interim director of the Global Perspectives course. Review of applications will begin January 15, 2022 and continue until the positions are filled.

Starting date for the position will be August 16, 2023, depending on unit needs and instructor availability.