Ethnic Studies Assistant Professor

Position Summary

The faculty member shall be responsible for the following: teaching assigned classes under the supervision of the area dean; helping students fulfill their maximum potential in mastering course content; assessing student learning outcomes; maintaining a thorough and up-to-date knowledge in their regular teaching field; continuing professional development; utilizing current technology in the performance of job duties; maintaining standards of professional conduct and ethics appropriate to the professional position; assisting with articulation and curriculum development and review; serving on college committees and participating in faculty governance including accreditation and student co-curricular activities; assuming other responsibilities as assigned by the area dean; fulfilling other duties and responsibilities of a full-time faculty member.

The Ethnic Studies Department at American River College is deeply committed to a critical, intersectional, social justice approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of race, gender, sexuality, class, and other identity dimensions in understanding systemic inequities and power dynamics. Rooted in a rigorous academic tradition that amplifies historically marginalized voices, our department seeks to foster a transformative learning environment that challenges prevailing narratives and paves the way for a more equitable society. Our primary goals encompass not only the dissemination of knowledge but also the cultivation of critical thinkers and community leaders. As we bridge the gap between the college and the broader community, we prioritize partnerships with local organizations, service learning, and community engagement, ensuring our students are not just consumers of knowledge, but active agents of change. We seek candidates who resonate with this mission and are passionate about molding the next generation of informed, empathetic, and proactive citizens. 

The Department Values:

• Maintaining a Critical and Intersectional Pedagogical Approach that examines white supremacy, colonialism, hegemony, power, oppression, and movements towards collective action and solidarity against unjust systems.
   

Investigating and celebrating local Histories and Contemporary Issues:

• Study of the core groups of the Ethnic Studies Discipline (Native American Studies, Asian American Studies, African Studies and Chicana/o/x & Latina/o/x Studies), local ethnic communities, their histories, challenges and contributions.
• Engage with local community leaders and organizations for firsthand accounts and community-based learning.
• Deep dive into the histories, cultures, and contemporary challenges of Indigenous communities with specific regard to Native Americans and CA Native Communities.
• Emphasis on land rights, cultural preservation, and self-determination.
   

Utilizing Local & Global Perspectives and knowledge:

• Comparative ethnic studies looking at global diasporas.
• Exploration of colonialism, migration patterns, and global systems of power.
   

Social Justice and Activism:

• Examination of historical and contemporary social movements led by ethnic communities. -Training and resources for students to engage in activism and community organizing.
   

Critical Media Literacy: 

• Analysis of representation (or lack thereof) of ethnic groups in media.
• Examination of stereotypes, biases, and the power of storytelling.

American River College seeks employees who:

• Have demonstrated work or professional experience related to equity and inclusion
• Engage in self-reflection and continuous improvement in cultural competence
• Fulfill the professional responsibilities of their position
• Regard all students as equally capable and worthy of our care, time, and energy

Position Salary Information:
Initial maximum salary placement is based on academic degree, upper/graduate level units earned, and/or related professional occupational experience per the Los Rios College Federation of Teachers Contract (Download PDF reader) (the initial maximum placement is Class V, Step 8). For more information on the step placement process, please click here.

 

Typical Duties

The instructional assignment may include, but is not limited to, teaching the following courses:

• ETHNS 300 - Introduction to Ethnic Studies
• ETHNS 320 - Introduction to African American Studies
• ETHNS 330 - Introduction to Asian American Studies
• ETHNS 340 - Introduction to Chicanx/Latinx Studies
• ETHNS 350 - Introduction to Native American Studies
• Dual Enrollment Classes
• Various modalities of the above courses including in person, hybrid, synchronous online, and/or asynchronous online.

To view a complete list of courses for this discipline, please visit the Programs and Majors webpage for the campus:
 

• ARC Programs and Majors

Minimum Qualifications

1. Master’s in African-American/Black/Africana Studies or Latino Studies, La Raza Studies, Chicana/o Studies, or Asian-American Studies, or Native American/ American Indian Studies
   OR
   Master’s in Ethnic Studies
   OR the equivalent*
2. All degrees must be from an accredited institution completed by August 20, 2026. 
3. Have an equity-minded focus, responsiveness, and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, including those with physical or learning disabilities as it relates to differences in learning styles; and successfully foster and support an inclusive educational and employment environment.