How to Apply
The Program in the Environment (PitE) in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts and the School of Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) at the University of Michigan invites individuals to apply for the position of Intermittent Lecturer to teach courses in the area of Environmental Humanities with a focus on International Studies or Cultural Studies. Applications are welcome and encouraged regardless of background and identity.
To apply, please complete the application on the U-M Careers site. In addition, the following materials must be submitted as one PDF document along with your application on the UM Jobs site.
Please contact Nicole Rutherford, [email protected], if you have any questions.
This position is subject to the terms of the LEO bargaining agreement. The full LEO contract can be found at https://hr.umich.edu/sites/default/files/um-leo_lecturers_collective_bargaining_agreement_2024-2028_-_final_0.pdf.
Job Summary
The Program in the Environment (PitE) at the University of Michigan seeks applicants for up to two part-time lecturer positions in the Environmental Humanities with a focus on International Studies or Cultural Studies. Selected candidates will teach up to two courses in the Fall 2025 term. If selected to teach two courses, the FTE will be 66% for the appointment period. If selected to teach one course, the FTE will be 33% for the appointment period. Both of these titles are non-tenure track positions and subject to the terms of the LEO collective bargaining agreement which can be found at https://hr.umich.edu/sites/default/files/um-leo_lecturers_collective_bargaining_agreement_2024-2028_-_final_0.pdf.
Specifically, the successful candidates will be prepared to teach one or two of the following courses:
ENVIRON 154 - Environmental History of North America
MW 2:30-4:00 PM
This course explores the bonds between the people and places of this continent. It does not assume that you have any background in environmental studies or history. We will explore the relationships among landscapes, humans, and other forms of life from prehistory to the present. We will ask how people's connections to their environments changed from the period of Indigenous settlement, to European colonization, to the expansion of industrial states. What is "natural"? What is "sustainable"? How have people modified their surroundings, and how have environments shaped societies?
ENVIRON 244 - Extractive Environments of Southeast Asia
TTh 11:30-1 PM
This course explores the histories of Southeast Asia and some of the region's most pressing social and environmental issues. Our course begins with an analysis of the politics and economics of colonialism in Southeast Asia. We will then investigate the emergence of Southeast Asian nationalism and decolonization before examining present-day environmental concerns. Throughout this survey of Southeast Asian history and some of the region's contemporary social issues, the class will focus in particular on the relationship between extractive economies and environmental change over time.
ENVIRON 244 - Mapping Rivers in China
MW 4-5:30 PM
Rivers and landscapes reflect the goals, anxieties, and capabilities of the humans who interact with them. Maps allow us to understand and analyze these relationships. To practice analyzing how rivers and Chinese society have shaped each other, this course begins with the present day and works backward toward the 19th century. This unusual perspective will help us to see the world as it is, and ask how it got this way. Beginning with today's massive and controversial Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River, we will look at hydro-engineering projects in the People's Republic of China since 1949. We will trace the roots of these schemes to the state-building efforts of the Nationalist government in the early 20th century, which arose from water control in China's last dynasty, the Qing. In addition to scholarly readings and translated texts, we will use ArcGIS mapping software to ask and attempt to answer questions about the interactions between humans and hydrology. How has the relationship between the Chinese state and rivers changed during the last two centuries? Have rivers and people ever been able to coexist? How?
Mission Statement
PitE is an interdisciplinary program that blends foundational knowledge, skills, and practices from natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities/culture towards an integrated analysis of environmental and sustainability issues facing society at all scales and approaches to address and adapt to the associated challenges.
At the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), we are at the forefront of building a more sustainable and just world for all by transforming the impact of higher education and reimagining the future. We are advancing action through innovation, research, education and engagement in society, and developing leaders who are empowered to halt the climate crisis and create an environmentally sound future for generations to come.
SEAS is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and equitable environment that respects diverse experiences, promotes generous listening and communications, and discourages and restoratively responds to acts of discrimination, harassment, or injustice. Our commitment to community, equity and inclusion is deeply rooted in our values for a sustainable and just society.
Why Work at Michigan?
Benefits
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
Responsibilities*
Desired Teaching/ Content Expertise
Our PitE faculty represent a wide range of disciplinary expertise, with many having joint appointments with other units on the University of Michigan campus. For this position, we will consider candidates from a broad range of humanities expertise (including but not limited to history, philosophy, literature, religion, the arts, and interdisciplinary humanities). All courses are expected to be taught in person on the University of Michigan Ann Arbor campus unless there is a compelling pedagogical reason for remote or hybrid instruction.
In addition to teaching one to two courses per term, the selected individuals will be expected to hold office hours and handle all routine matters related to instruction. While teaching is expected to take place in-person, office hours can be held remotely.
Required Qualifications*
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
All application materials must be submitted no later than April 16, 2025. Selected candidates will be contacted and interviewed remotely shortly after the posting closure date. We expect to make an offer of employment no later than May 1, 2025. The anticipated start date for this position is August 25, 2025
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act
Union Affiliation
This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Lecturers Employee Organization, AFL-CIO, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.
Application Deadline
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position(s) is/are filled. Job openings are posted for a minimum of ten calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
The Program in the Environment (PitE) in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts and the School of Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) at the University of Michigan invites individuals to apply for the position of Intermittent Lecturer to teach courses in the area of Environmental Humanities with a focus on International Studies or Cultural Studies. Applications are welcome and encouraged regardless of background and identity.
To apply, please complete the application on the U-M Careers site. In addition, the following materials must be submitted as one PDF document along with your application on the UM Jobs site.
- A cover letter that addresses your specific interest in the position and outlines experience that directly relates to this position. The cover letter may be up to two single-spaced pages.
- A statement of teaching philosophy (1-2 pages).
- Curriculum vitae
- Names of three individuals that can serve as references.
Please contact Nicole Rutherford, [email protected], if you have any questions.
This position is subject to the terms of the LEO bargaining agreement. The full LEO contract can be found at https://hr.umich.edu/sites/default/files/um-leo_lecturers_collective_bargaining_agreement_2024-2028_-_final_0.pdf.
Job Summary
The Program in the Environment (PitE) at the University of Michigan seeks applicants for up to two part-time lecturer positions in the Environmental Humanities with a focus on International Studies or Cultural Studies. Selected candidates will teach up to two courses in the Fall 2025 term. If selected to teach two courses, the FTE will be 66% for the appointment period. If selected to teach one course, the FTE will be 33% for the appointment period. Both of these titles are non-tenure track positions and subject to the terms of the LEO collective bargaining agreement which can be found at https://hr.umich.edu/sites/default/files/um-leo_lecturers_collective_bargaining_agreement_2024-2028_-_final_0.pdf.
Specifically, the successful candidates will be prepared to teach one or two of the following courses:
ENVIRON 154 - Environmental History of North America
MW 2:30-4:00 PM
This course explores the bonds between the people and places of this continent. It does not assume that you have any background in environmental studies or history. We will explore the relationships among landscapes, humans, and other forms of life from prehistory to the present. We will ask how people's connections to their environments changed from the period of Indigenous settlement, to European colonization, to the expansion of industrial states. What is "natural"? What is "sustainable"? How have people modified their surroundings, and how have environments shaped societies?
ENVIRON 244 - Extractive Environments of Southeast Asia
TTh 11:30-1 PM
This course explores the histories of Southeast Asia and some of the region's most pressing social and environmental issues. Our course begins with an analysis of the politics and economics of colonialism in Southeast Asia. We will then investigate the emergence of Southeast Asian nationalism and decolonization before examining present-day environmental concerns. Throughout this survey of Southeast Asian history and some of the region's contemporary social issues, the class will focus in particular on the relationship between extractive economies and environmental change over time.
ENVIRON 244 - Mapping Rivers in China
MW 4-5:30 PM
Rivers and landscapes reflect the goals, anxieties, and capabilities of the humans who interact with them. Maps allow us to understand and analyze these relationships. To practice analyzing how rivers and Chinese society have shaped each other, this course begins with the present day and works backward toward the 19th century. This unusual perspective will help us to see the world as it is, and ask how it got this way. Beginning with today's massive and controversial Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River, we will look at hydro-engineering projects in the People's Republic of China since 1949. We will trace the roots of these schemes to the state-building efforts of the Nationalist government in the early 20th century, which arose from water control in China's last dynasty, the Qing. In addition to scholarly readings and translated texts, we will use ArcGIS mapping software to ask and attempt to answer questions about the interactions between humans and hydrology. How has the relationship between the Chinese state and rivers changed during the last two centuries? Have rivers and people ever been able to coexist? How?
Mission Statement
PitE is an interdisciplinary program that blends foundational knowledge, skills, and practices from natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities/culture towards an integrated analysis of environmental and sustainability issues facing society at all scales and approaches to address and adapt to the associated challenges.
At the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), we are at the forefront of building a more sustainable and just world for all by transforming the impact of higher education and reimagining the future. We are advancing action through innovation, research, education and engagement in society, and developing leaders who are empowered to halt the climate crisis and create an environmentally sound future for generations to come.
SEAS is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and equitable environment that respects diverse experiences, promotes generous listening and communications, and discourages and restoratively responds to acts of discrimination, harassment, or injustice. Our commitment to community, equity and inclusion is deeply rooted in our values for a sustainable and just society.
Why Work at Michigan?
Benefits
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Generous time off
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting (Confirm position is eligible)
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Responsibilities*
Desired Teaching/ Content Expertise
Our PitE faculty represent a wide range of disciplinary expertise, with many having joint appointments with other units on the University of Michigan campus. For this position, we will consider candidates from a broad range of humanities expertise (including but not limited to history, philosophy, literature, religion, the arts, and interdisciplinary humanities). All courses are expected to be taught in person on the University of Michigan Ann Arbor campus unless there is a compelling pedagogical reason for remote or hybrid instruction.
In addition to teaching one to two courses per term, the selected individuals will be expected to hold office hours and handle all routine matters related to instruction. While teaching is expected to take place in-person, office hours can be held remotely.
Required Qualifications*
- A PhD in environmental studies or another sustainability-related discipline or a field in the humanities, OR a Masters Degree with at least five years of relevant professional experience.
- Demonstrated excellence in teaching and mentoring.
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
All application materials must be submitted no later than April 16, 2025. Selected candidates will be contacted and interviewed remotely shortly after the posting closure date. We expect to make an offer of employment no later than May 1, 2025. The anticipated start date for this position is August 25, 2025
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act
Union Affiliation
This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Lecturers Employee Organization, AFL-CIO, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.
Application Deadline
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position(s) is/are filled. Job openings are posted for a minimum of ten calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.