Religious Studies Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

The Institute for Global Studies (IGS) in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota occasionally needs part-time teaching specialists and/or lecturers to teach undergraduate courses that cannot be taught by the regular faculty. These positions (hereafter referred to as Instructional Appointments) are temporary (one semester or one academic year) and typically teach no more than one three-credit course per academic semester. Courses may be part of the Global Studies academic program, the Asian American Studies academic program, the Religious Studies academic program, and the research centers, grant-funded projects, and other academic programs supported by IGS.
IGS also occasionally hires part-time and short-term teaching specialists and/or lecturers during the summer months and academic year to teach short courses and/or facilitate workshops, conferences, and symposia offered by the research centers and academic programs affiliated with IGS, and to contribute to educational initiatives, programs, and projects funded by Federal and State grants, international agencies, and one-time gifts and endowments. Typically, these are non-credit bearing educational programs and outreach activities. These positions (hereafter referred to as Supplementary Appointments) may be for a limited period of weeks or months. 
 

Duties & Responsibilities Instructional Appointments, Overload & Course Rate. 

Teaching specialists and lecturers in IGS serve as instructors of record for assigned courses, meaning they prepare for and conduct classes, hold office hours, evaluate student performance, submit grades, respond to student and department inquiries, and submit student evaluations of instruction.
Teaching specialists and lecturers also participate in relevant meetings, programs, and orientations; complete required training; maintain professional development; and keep current with the field of instruction. 
Additional duties may be required in specific courses and may include supervising and mentoring graduate teaching assistants, coordinating student internship placements, monitoring students' academic progress, and maintaining community partnerships, etc. Course assignments, schedules, and locations are subject to change based on sufficient enrollment, curricular and programmatic needs, room availability, and other factors.
Duties & Responsibilities Supplementary Appointments. 

Teaching specialists and lecturers hired to facilitate workshops, conferences, and symposia consult with IGS coordinators on program goals and objectives, develop and coordinate content, lead and facilitate assigned educational offerings, and support necessary reporting requirements. 
 

This posting does not constitute an announcement of open positions but is used to establish a pool of applicants should such openings occur for Summer 2026, Fall Semester 2026, Spring Semester 2027, Academic Year 2026/27, May/Summer Session 2027, and Summer 2027. 

Required Qualifications. 

Masters degree in Global Studies, Asian American Studies, Religious Studies, or a social sciences/humanities discipline with an emphasis in a field related to the assigned course, workshop, or other educational offering; and demonstrated successful experience teaching relevant courses or leading/facilitating relevant workshops/educational programs at a four-year college/University.

Preferred Qualifications. 

Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in Global Studies, Asian American Studies, Religious Studies, or a social sciences/humanities discipline with an emphasis in a field related to the assigned course, workshop, or other educational offering; and three years of full-time demonstrated successful experience teaching relevant courses or leading/facilitating relevant workshops/educational programs at a four-year college/University.

Degree Equivalency. 

In exceptional circumstances IGS may consider candidates with a bachelors degree (B.A./B.S.) for appointment as a Teaching Specialist. In such cases, the individual must have significant professional experience in a field related to the subject matter, and/or significant cultural expertise that makes the person uniquely qualified to teach a course or lead a workshop/seminar, etc., in the subject matter.

Consistent with University policy, candidates with the M.A. degree will be appointed at the rank of teaching specialist; candidates with the Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree will be appointed at the rank of lecturer.

Candidates will be evaluated according to (A) overall quality of academic preparation; and (B) evidence of successful teaching in relevant subject area(s) at a four-year college or University. References and/or letters of recommendation may be requested as additional evaluation criteria.

The Institute for Global Studies (IGS) stives to connect students, scholars, and communities dedicated to social justice, understanding, and transforming our globalized world by creating an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment for students and scholars to investigate sets of interrelated issues facing todays increasingly interdependent world. https://cla.umn.edu/global-studies

Research Centers & Academic Programs associated with IGS include: 

• Asian American Studies Program
• Center for Austrian Studies
• Center for German and European Studies
• Global Studies Program
• Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies
• Immigration History Research Center
• Human Rights Program
• Center for Premodern Studies 
• Center for Race, Indigeneity, Disability, Gender and Sexuality Studies
• Religious Studies Program
• National Resource Center - International Studies
• National Resource Center - African Studies
• Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships Program

Pay Range Instructional Appointments: $2,652 to $3,605 per credit ($7,956 to $10,815 per 3-credit course); depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Pay Range Supplementary Appointments: Up to $1000 for a lecture or one day symposium; Up to $3000 for a week-long workshop or institute; $2000-$6000 for course redesign and curriculum development projects.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications.  Learn more about retirement plans.

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

In the cover letter, please describe how your qualifications and experience prepare you to succeed in the position, identify subject area(s) and content you are prepared to teach, and describe your commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for diverse populations and communities. 

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Applications will not be acknowledged but will be reviewed when such openings occur throughout the year.  Applications must be updated or re-submitted for each year. 

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

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