The Pennsylvania State University calls application for Postdoctoral Scholar Public Humanities in the United States of America. The Penn State Humanities Institute (H.I.) has embarked on a Public Humanities Initiative that aims to bring humanities ideas to bear on issues of public concern in ways that facilitate deeper discussion of those issues. A central element of this initiative is a program that involves the training of undergraduate students in techniques relating to the public humanities. This program involves co-taught classes that allow students to develop media production skills and produce content that connects ideas in the humanities to social questions. It also involves working with community members to facilitate discussions around such media products.

Summary

As part of this initiative, the Penn State H.I. seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar who will serve as a co-instructor for these classes and help organize and conduct these public discussions. The Post-doctoral Scholar will have a background in the humanities, preferably emphasizing public engagement (“public philosophy”, “public (or oral) history”, etc.). Experience with community-based learning projects and demonstrated commitment to building collaborative partnerships with on- and off-campus groups will be a plus.

The other instructor for these courses is a film-maker, and together the teaching team will plan the classes, conduct class meetings, and oversee student projects. The Fall section of the class focuses on providing an overview of public humanities and training in multi-media production, resulting in a short media production by the students done in partnership with a university or community group. In the Spring, the students develop their own ideas for projects and carry them through under the tutelage of the co-instructors. It also involves engagement with off-campus community groups for discussions of the social issues connected to media productions.

Benefits 

It is expected that the Scholar will be in residence at the H.I. for the full academic year and take part in the intellectual life of the campus by working with faculty and students, attending symposia and events, and contributing to meetings and discussions presented by H.I. The fellowship stipend is $50,004 plus benefits and a $4,000 research fund. An office will be provided at the Institute.

Requirements

Applicants must have earned their Ph.D.’s within the last 3 years and degrees must be in hand by August 1, 2020. Applications should include:

• A CV
• Contact information for two references
• A cover letter describing how you might be suited for the position and detailing your area(s) of expertise and training.

The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State or PSU) is a public, land-grant research university with campuses and facilities throughout Pennsylvania. Penn State conducts teaching, research, and public service. Its instructional mission includes undergraduate, graduate, professional, and continuing education offered through resident instruction and online delivery.

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