TA in African American Studies 227: Masterpieces of African American Literature

Department Overview The Department of African American Studies is committed to bringing academic research to the broadest possible audience and believes the deepest understanding of the complex reality of race in America requires a truly interdisciplinary approach. Within and beyond the walls of the university, our studies draw on history, literature, the social sciences, and the arts. Anticipated Start Date 1/1/2026 Anticipated End Date (If Applicable) 5/17/2026 Remote Work Eligibility Detail Not Remote Anticipated Hours Per Week 20 Schedule 20 hours/week; 50% appointment time with 4 discussion sections Salary/Wage Range/Lump Sum $1,495/biweekly ($14,503 for the semester) Number of Positions 1 Qualifications Preference will be given to second-year UW-Madison graduate students in good standing (no incompletes), with background in African American Studies or related field (Literature, History, Cultural Studies, Theatre, Art History). First-year graduate students with extensive teaching experience will be considered. Undergraduate teaching experience preferred. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Self starter, motivated Excellent interpersonal communication and listening skills Ability to work well independently and in groups Ability to supervise and lead student groups Creative, ability to develop new ideas and initiatives Excellent outreach and presentation skills Excellent organization, time management skills Position Summary / Job Duties Teaching Assistant in 227: Masterpieces of African American Literature (https://africanamericanstudies.wisc.edu/course-descriptions/) This course will introduce students to works of literary satire in the African American tradition. Students will study the mechanics of irony, learn theories of humor, engage in critical thinking and writing, and participate meaningfully in open discussions. We will read satirical masterpieces by canonical African American authors including Charles Chesnutt, Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, George Schuyler, Ralph Ellison, Kristin Hunter, Percival Everett, and others. The appointment is for the Spring semester of 2025-26. Position includes salary, tuition remission, and eligibility for health insurance and other employee benefits. Physical Demands None Institutional Statements Equal Employment Opportunity Statement UW-Madison is an Equal Employment, Equal Access Employer committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce. Diversity Statement Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals. The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background-people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world. For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: diversity.wisc.edu Accommodation Statement If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request at the following website: https://employeedisabilities.wisc.edu/disability-accommodation-information-for-applicants/ #J-18808-Ljbffr