Assistant Professor, Film Studies

Mount Royal University is situated on an ancient and storied land that is steeped in ceremony and history that, until recently, was occupied exclusively by people indigenous to this place. With gratitude and reciprocity, we acknowledge the relationships to the land and all beings, and the songs, stories and teachings of the Siksika Nation, the Piikani Nation, the Kainai Nation, the Îethka Stoney Nakoda Nation (consisting of the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Goodstoney Nations), the people of the Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Métis.

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. Over this time Mount Royal University has built a reputation for providing students with a robust liberal education foundation. Mount Royal University’s vision is to provide an exceptional undergraduate educational experience for students. Mount Royal University has also carved out a distinct niche by offering smaller class sizes, exceptional education experiences, and unique undergraduate programs. Currently, more than 15,000 credit students choose from 13 bachelor’s degrees and 38 majors.

A student-focused undergraduate university built on teaching excellence, we are known for our top-calibre programs, high-quality teaching and learning experience, robust delivery of liberal education, scholarly teaching, experiential learning and undergraduate research. Learn more at mru.ca/AcademicPlan .

We are committed to removing barriers and fostering the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented or discouraged in our society. In support of our belief that diversity in our faculty and staff enriches the work, learning and research experiences for the entire campus community, we strongly encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply and self-identify.

The Department of English, Languages, and Cultures, Faculty of Arts at Mount Royal University invites applications for a tenure track position which will commence July 1, 2024, subject to final budgetary approval, at the Rank of Assistant Professor.  

The Faculty of Arts houses the following departments: Economics, Justice and Policy Studies; English, Languages, and Cultures; Humanities; Interior Design; Psychology; General Education;  and Sociology and Anthropology. The Faculty of Arts houses more than 2,000 students seeking degrees in Anthropology, Criminal Justice, English, History, Interior Design, Policy Studies, Psychology, and Sociology, and offers over 30,000 seats in Arts courses each year. In addition, the Faculty of Arts offers 26 minors over a diverse range of disciplines and teaches a large majority of courses associated with General Education foundation courses. Arts faculty have received national and international recognition for their teaching and research, hold Tri-Council grants, publish books, and disseminate research in top-ranked academic journals.

Building on its history at Mount Royal and its location in Calgary, the Department of English, Languages, and Cultures is passionately committed to the study of writing as well as of literary and filmic texts. The Department offers a degree program in the Bachelor of Arts (English), with streams for a Major in English as well as the Honours degree. It also offers Minors in Film Studies, Creative Writing, Environmental Humanities, English, Spanish, and French.

The Film Minor currently involves students choosing from 13 dedicated film offerings and a number of options in cognate disciplines. The minor carries strong potential for growth given the overwhelming popularity of film courses on campus. Past graduates have gone on to film schools, graduate degrees in film studies, and jobs where their background in film studies plays a role. Current film instructor initiatives in the Department include exploring collaborations with film schools; connecting students to local filmmaker communities and arts administration opportunities communities; and providing local and national forms of critical reception for the high number of Hollywood and American independent films shot in Alberta. 

We value supportive learning, inclusiveness, and equity, with a strong tradition of smaller class sizes, which allow for personalized learning and enhanced student participation. Our award-winning faculty offer a rich variety of both traditional and cutting edge courses, with a strong emphasis on developing the critical and creative writing of our students. We read the text not just to find out what it says, but to see how it works—how it shapes our critical and ethical sensibilities, our awareness of culture and tradition, and our identities as peoples in communities larger than ourselves.

Mount Royal University is accepting applications for a full-time tenure track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the area of Film Studies to commence July 1, 2024, subject to budgetary approval.

New faculty are hired into one of two work patterns. The teaching/scholarship/service pattern (TSS) focuses on teaching with the requirement that the faculty member establish and maintains a research program and is involved in service to the Mount Royal community. The teaching service pattern (TS) has a focus on teaching and service only. The successful candidate for this position will be hired into the teaching/scholarship/service pattern (TSS). There is an option to change work patterns after tenure. The TSS  pattern typically requires faculty members to teach six three-credit three-hour classes per academic year. The average class is approximately 30 students.

Research and service opportunities may include supervision of research assistants or Honours students. The Office of Research, Scholarship and Community Engagement (ORSCE) provides support for research and scholarly activities.

• Teaching courses in Film Studies;
• Hosting visiting filmmakers and film scholars;
• Fostering ties to film communities;
• Engaging with local, national, and international Film Studies and filmmaking organizations;
• Collaborating effectively with full-time and contract faculty members on curriculum re-development and educational innovation;
• Remaining current in areas of teaching responsibility;
• Contributing to program, university, and community service; and 
• Participating in the General Education program.

A Ph.D. in Film Studies is required, as is an emerging or established body of scholarly work in Film Studies. The following would be considered assets: filmmaking experience, connections to film/digital storytelling communities, or additional areas of expertise relevant to our program.

The successful candidate must possess the ability to teach several undergraduate Film Studies courses currently offered in the Mount Royal University Calendar. There will also be the opportunity to develop new courses in one’s areas of expertise. In addition, any of the following would strengthen a candidate’s application:

• Successful previous post-secondary teaching experience in courses related to Film Studies;
• Experience in curriculum development (e.g., creating courses, lectures, learning activities, and assignments); and
• Demonstrated commitment to enhancing diversity and diversity awareness.

Talented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We strive to be an employer of choice among Canadian post-secondary institutions. 

At Mount Royal University, we recognize that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person, and harnesses the strength that is available in our diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.

Investing in the learning and development of our employees benefits the individual and the University. A variety of services, resources and programs encourage a healthy, productive workplace. Mount Royal University offers a competitive total compensation package including health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days and a free membership in our fully equipped recreation centre. 

Our campus offers the convenience of a full medical clinic, dentist and pharmacy, as well as a variety of wellness services such as physiotherapists and massage therapists. Campus Recreation offers many activities, including personal training, fitness classes, climbing, aquatics, sports and certifications for students, employees and the public. 

 Interested applicants should submit the following materials:

1. A two-page cover letter that describes the candidate’s qualifications for this role as described above, interest in the position, and potential contributions to Mount Royal University.

2. Current Curriculum Vitae (CV) 

3. Teaching Portfolio that includes the following items, including

·   A statement of teaching philosophy, interests, and accomplishments (maximum 750 words) 

·   A sample syllabus

·   Sample student evaluations and peer/chair teaching evaluations (if available)

4. Scholarly Activities Portfolio that includes the following items:

·   Statement of research interests/expertise (maximum 500 words);, 

·   Sample publication and/or creative work (10-page sample work(s) published or in progress, and

·   Proposed scholarship plan for the upcoming 5-year period (maximum 750 words)

5. Academic reference letters are not required with the application, but candidates may be asked to provide up to three confidential references as the competition progresses.

Closing Date: Open until a suitable candidate is found, however a review of applicants will begin March 31, 2024.  Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Interviews are expected to occur in April 2024.

A complete dossier should be submitted including curriculum vitae, list of three (3) references, evidence of teaching excellence, and, if the teaching/ scholarship/ service (TSS) pattern is desirable, evidence of intent to pursue a research program. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number], [Document].pdf (ex. Smith, 999999, CV.pdf).

For further information, contact Dr. Robert Boschman, Chair, Department of English, Languages, and Cultures at (403) 660-0216 or [email protected]. Applicants are encouraged to review the film program information at https://www.mtroyal.ca/ProgramsCourses/FacultiesSchoolsCentres/Arts/Departments/EnglishLanguagesCultures/FilmStudiesMinor/index.htm .

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Recent Mount Royal graduates who are foreign nationals may be eligible to work on campus. Please refer to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website under Post-Graduation Employment at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/index.asp.