English Literature Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the academic world, the focus on English Literature Professors is as significant as ever.

As humanities evolve, with each turning page, the demand for insightful minds who can dissect, interpret, and preserve our literary heritage grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really required of an English Literature Professor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core requirements of this role,
• An academic recruiter seeking the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of teaching English Literature,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable English Literature Professor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or university career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

English Literature Professor Duties and Responsibilities

English Literature Professors instruct students on various aspects of English literature, including comprehension, interpretation, and literary analysis.

They also conduct scholarly research and contribute to the field of English Literature.

Here are the key duties and responsibilities of an English Literature Professor:

• Develop and teach courses in English literature such as British Literature, American Literature, World Literature, and specialized literature classes
• Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction
• Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media
• Guide students in the use of library resources, online research, and other learning materials
• Administer and grade examinations, or assign this work to others
• Engage in scholarly activities such as attending academic conferences, presenting papers, and maintaining active membership in professional organizations
• Advise students on academic and vocational curricula, career issues, and on academic or personal adjustment issues
• Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues
• Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities
• Provide feedback to students regarding their performance and progress
• Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences

 

English Literature Professor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and dynamic English Literature Professor to join our faculty.

The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to teaching and mentoring students, producing high-quality research, and contributing to the academic community.

The role involves teaching a range of English literature courses, developing course syllabi, advising students, conducting research, publishing findings, and participating in departmental and college activities.

Familiarity with both classical and contemporary English literature is a must.

 

Responsibilities

• Teach English Literature courses at undergraduate and graduate levels
• Develop and implement innovative instructional methods
• Evaluate, monitor and mentor student academic progress
• Create, innovate and implement career-enhancement programs and activities
• Supervise and support teaching assistants
• Participate in departmental and college activities
• Conduct research and publish findings in reputable journals
• Stay updated on the latest trends in English Literature
• Participate in curriculum development and course review processes

 

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in English Literature or related field
• Proven experience as a Professor or a similar role in English Literature
• Strong understanding of the subject matter with the ability to convey knowledge to students
• Experience in conducting high-quality research
• Published works in reputable journals
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to diversity and inclusivity in academia

 

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Paid Sabbatical Leave
• Tuition Waiver for Employees and Family
• Paid Vacation and Holidays

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: English Literature Professor
• Work Environment: Collegiate campus setting. Classes may be in-person, online, or a hybrid of both. Active participation in departmental meetings and college events is required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Head or Dean of the College.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and institutional considerations.
• Pay Range: $68,000 minimum to $110,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our institution. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and teaching philosophy, and a list of published works to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an English Literature Professor Do?

An English Literature Professor typically works at a college or university in the English department.

They may also work at language schools or other educational institutions.

They are responsible for creating and delivering lectures on various topics in English literature, such as poetry, drama, prose, and criticism.

This could range from the works of Shakespeare to contemporary English literature.

Their responsibilities also include developing and grading assignments and exams, conducting research in their field of expertise, and publishing scholarly papers and books.

English Literature Professors often mentor students, guiding their academic progress and helping them develop their own research and writing skills.

They also participate in faculty meetings, serve on academic committees, and contribute to curriculum development within their department.

English Literature Professors may specialize in a particular period, author, or genre, and they often conduct and present research in their area of specialization.

They are also expected to stay updated with the latest literary trends, theories, and critical approaches, and incorporate them into their teaching and research.

An important part of their job is to inspire students to appreciate and engage with English literature, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a love for learning.

 

English Literature Professor Qualifications and Skills

An English Literature Professor should possess a range of technical knowledge, soft skills and expertise in the field of English literature, including:

• In-depth knowledge and understanding of various periods and genres of English literature to guide students in their studies.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly explain complex literary concepts, foster discussion in the classroom, and provide clear feedback on assignments.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills to assess student work, design curriculum, and contribute to scholarly research in the field.
• Interpersonal skills to build relationships with students, colleagues, and administrative staff, fostering a positive learning environment and effectively cooperating in shared responsibilities.
• Ability to use modern educational technology and learning management systems to enhance teaching and facilitate remote learning.
• Organizational skills to manage the grading of assignments, planning of lessons, and advising of students.
• Pedagogical skills to effectively teach diverse student populations, adapting teaching methods to suit different learning styles.
• Research skills to stay updated with current literary trends and theories, and to contribute to the body of knowledge in English literature.
• A PhD in English Literature or a related field is typically required, along with a demonstrated history of teaching at the post-secondary level.

 

English Literature Professor Experience Requirements

Candidates for the role of an English Literature Professor typically need to have a strong academic background, having acquired at least a master’s degree in English Literature or a related field, with a Ph.D. being strongly preferred.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through a graduate assistantship, teaching assistant role, or adjunct professorship at a college or university.

This experience should ideally include lesson planning, grading, and student consultation.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have a record of published research or a specialization in a particular area of English Literature.

They are often expected to have successfully designed and taught their own courses, and may have experience mentoring students or supervising undergraduate research.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience often have a track record of securing research funding, have significantly contributed to their field through their research and publications, and have a demonstrated excellence in teaching.

They may have held a leadership role in their department, such as serving as a department chair or program director, and are likely ready to take on more advanced positions or responsibilities.

Furthermore, experience studying or teaching English Literature abroad or having a deep understanding of diverse literary traditions can be particularly valuable in this role.

 

English Literature Professor Education and Training Requirements

English Literature Professors typically require a doctoral degree (PhD) in English literature or a related field.

Before pursuing a PhD, they must first complete a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, often in English, literature, or a related subject.

Coursework throughout these degrees often includes a broad base of literature classes, including British and American literature, World literature, specific genre studies, and literary theory.

Those aspiring to become an English Literature Professor also need to develop strong skills in critical thinking, research, and analysis, as they will be expected to contribute original thought to the field, either through literary criticism or their own writing.

In addition to academic qualifications, teaching experience is highly important.

Many gain this experience during their PhD program, where they may have opportunities to teach undergraduate courses, assist professors, or lead discussion sections.

While not always required, some universities and colleges may prefer candidates who have published articles or books in their field of expertise.

This demonstrates a candidate’s ability to engage in high-level research and contribute to academic scholarship.

Continuing education is also important for English Literature Professors, who must keep up with new literary works and criticism in the field.

This can be achieved through independent reading, attending academic conferences, or completing additional coursework or certifications.

Finally, excellent communication skills and a passion for literature are indispensable for those pursuing a career as an English Literature Professor.

They must be able to convey complex ideas effectively and inspire students to engage deeply with literature.

 

English Literature Professor Salary Expectations

An English Literature Professor earns an average salary of $72,180 (USD) per year.

This salary can vary depending on factors such as the professor’s years of experience, the prestige of the institution, geographical location, and the professor’s published works or research in the field of English Literature.

 

English Literature Professor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does an English Literature Professor need?

An English Literature Professor should ideally have a Doctorate in English Literature or a related field.

Some universities may accept a Master’s degree in the same, but a PhD is usually preferred.

They must also have a good amount of teaching experience, typically gained as a graduate teaching assistant.

 

What are the daily duties of an English Literature Professor?

On a typical day, an English Literature Professor may have multiple classes to teach, papers to grade, and office hours to hold for student consultations.

Apart from that, they also conduct academic research, write scholarly papers and articles, attend academic conferences, and serve on various university committees.

Their daily tasks also might involve planning lectures and class discussions, preparing course materials, and mentoring students.

 

What skills does an English Literature Professor need?

An English Literature Professor should have excellent written and verbal communication skills, as they need to effectively convey complex ideas and concepts to their students.

They should have strong critical thinking and analytical skills to analyze various works of literature.

They should also have good interpersonal skills, patience, and a passion for teaching and literature.

 

What should you look for in an English Literature Professor’s resume?

Check for a Doctorate or Master’s degree in English Literature or a related field, along with teaching experience.

Look for any academic publications they might have, as these can demonstrate their expertise and research abilities.

Also, look for evidence of administrative and committee work, which can show their engagement with the academic community.

 

What qualities make a good English Literature Professor?

A good English Literature Professor has a deep and extensive understanding of literature, is passionate about teaching, and can inspire students to engage with the material.

They should also be approachable, patient, organized, and able to maintain a high level of academic rigor.

Additionally, they should be able to balance their teaching responsibilities with their research commitments.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the essence of what it truly means to be an English Literature Professor.

And guess what?

It’s not just about dissecting novels and poems.

It’s about shaping the minds of future generations, one literary work at a time.

With our comprehensive English Literature Professor job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to make your move.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to precision-crafted job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every piece of literature is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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