Class time centers heavily on discussion and analysis of a group's history, culture, and social or political development, which means facilitating and moderating conversation is as much a part of the job as lecturing. Professors build their own course materials and exams, and many also conduct original research in their specialty, publishing findings in academic journals or books alongside teaching. The pace can get demanding around grading and curriculum deadlines, and the role calls for significant independent judgment in shaping course content. A PhD in the relevant field is the standard credential for these positions.
Pros
High upside earning potential, up to $160k, above many humanities teaching fields
Combines original research and publishing with classroom teaching for varied intellectual work
Subject matter allows specialization in a specific region, ethnic group, or community
Cons
Above-average hours, expect more than a standard 40-hour work week
Only about 1,100 positions nationwide, a narrow and competitive academic niche
Fast-paced work with real deadlines around research publication and course delivery
A typical day
The 10am seminar on diaspora literatures runs as discussion the professor steers with a light hand, having spent last evening rereading the assigned texts and this morning grading response papers over coffee. Midday office hours draw a student designing an honors thesis on immigrant oral histories and another who needs the honest talk about graduate school. The afternoon is the research life: translating source material, drafting a conference paper, coordinating a visiting-speaker series that took a semester of emails to fund. Committee work — curriculum revision today — closes the day. The field's scholars often carry public roles too, contextualizing current events for media and community groups.
Tasks at the job
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
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.
Workplace & working conditions
Work happens indoors in a climate-controlled setting, and most of the day is spent sitting at a desk.
The pace is often fast, with real time pressure to meet deadlines, and you're expected to exercise significant independent judgment day to day. The work is highly structured, following set procedures.
Education necessary or common
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the relevant field
Common college majors
Ethnic StudiesArea Studies (e.g. Latin American, East Asian)HistoryComparative Literature (PhD required)