Tenure-track position in the Irish Language and its Cultures

The School of Irish Studies at Concordia University invites applications for a tenure-track position in the Irish language and its cultures. The ideal candidate will teach courses in Modern Irish at the undergraduate and possibly graduate levels, as well as serve as a supervisor to Masters and PhD students in related fields. They will also be expected to play an integral administrative role in the ongoing development of the School.

The successful candidate will not only be fully fluent in the Irish language and have scholarly-level expertise in its literature, but also show evidence of a multidisciplinary approach to Irish-language studies and to Irish Studies as a whole, as well as a demonstrated interest in how that language is, in itself, both a pivotal generator as well as a conduit of Irish identities whether of nation, region, gender, class, etc., both historically and in the present. To that end, the candidate may have specialization in related disciplines (folklore, film, oral history, cultural studies, historical geography, etc.) provided that they are qualified to fulfill the core Irish-language teaching and research obligations. They will be expected to offer courses in English on the significance of the Irish language in the context of pertinent issues (for example: language politics, language policy, translation, diaspora studies, minority rights, etc.). Additionally, the candidate will be expected to devise creative strategies that promote community engagement with the language.

 

About the School

The School of Irish Studies currently offers an undergraduate Major in Irish Studies as well as a Minor and a Certificate in Irish Studies.  Faculty members in the School also advise and/or supervise MA and PhD students in several cross-departmental and interdisciplinary graduate programs. Beyond our formal academic programs, the School sponsors a prestigious annual lecture series; hosts visiting scholars each year; provides generous financial support to undergraduate and graduate students; hosts annual undergraduate and graduate conferences in Irish Studies; organizes various community-outreach events; supports the publication of the Canadian Journal of Irish Studies; and organizes international conferences and symposia (e.g. CAIS in 2011 and 2019 and IASIL in 2012).

 

About the Faculty

The Faculty of Arts and Science was created in July 1977 through the merger of the former Loyola Faculty of Arts and Science, the former Sir George Williams Faculty of Arts, and the former Sir George Williams Faculty of Science.

The Faculty consists of 27 academic departments, colleges, institutes, and schools as well as more than 20 research centres. The Faculty is committed to responsible and innovative leadership in developing and disseminating knowledge and values and encouraging constructive social criticism. We achieve these objectives through inclusive and accessible academic programs which stress a broad-based, interdisciplinary approach to learning. We are dedicated to superior teaching and research supported by excellence in scholarship and creative activity, and a tradition of service to the community. The Faculty serves many interdependent academic communities in an urban environment where students and faculty can pursue their shared commitment to lifelong learning.

 

Qualifications

• The candidate must have a completed PhD, a strong publication record, and evidence of teaching excellence. Administrative and community-outreach experience would be welcome assets.  
• The language of instruction at Concordia is English, however, knowledge of French is an asset. 

 

How to Apply

Applications must contain the following elements:

• A cover letter identifying the title and position code (18_T_IRISH_O)
• Curriculum vitae that includes the names of three referees
• Copies of representative publications
• A statement of research achievements; and evidence of teaching effectiveness
• A statement of teaching philosophy/interests

Candidates must also arrange to have the three letters of reference sent directly to irishstudies@concordia.ca to the attention of Dr. Michael Kenneally, Principal, School of Irish Studies.

Concordia strives to be an inclusive institution that is welcoming of diverse backgrounds and experiences in order to improve learning, advance research, inspire creativity, and drive productivity. We define diversity broadly to include both ethnic and socio-cultural background and diversity of perspectives, ideologies and traditions.

As part of this commitment to providing our students with the dynamic, innovative, and inclusive educational environment of a Next-Generation University, we require all applicants to articulate in their cover letter how their professional experiences and expertise have prepared them to conduct innovative research and to teach in ways that are relevant for a diverse, multicultural contemporary Canadian society. These ongoing or anticipated examples can include but are not limited to:

• teaching about underrepresented populations
• mentoring students from underrepresented backgrounds
• conducting research with underrepresented and / or underserved communities
• committee work
• offering or organizing educational programming
• participation in training and workshops

All applicants will receive an email invitation to complete a short equity survey. Participation in the survey is voluntary and no identifying information about candidates will be shared with hiring committees. Candidates who wish to self-identify as a member of an underrepresented group to the hiring committee may do so in their cover letter or by writing directly to the contact person indicated in this posting.

Concordia University recognizes the potential impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of research excellence and will take them into careful consideration in assessing applications and throughout the selection process.

Applications should be submitted by November 15, 2019 and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until a suitable candidate has been identified. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. The appointment is expected to commence on July 1, 2020 or shortly thereafter.

Kindly forward your electronic application to: irishstudies@concordia.ca. 

Applicants who anticipate requiring accommodations throughout any stage of the recruitment process may contact, in confidence, Nadia Hardy, Interim Deputy Provost and Vice-Provost, Faculty Development and Inclusion at vpfdi@concordia.ca or by phone at 514.848.2424 extension 4323.

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